A young Liverpool supporter arrived home from school earlier this week to a special surprise gift sent to him by Virgil van Dijk.

10-year-old Rocco Daly opened a package sent from Melwood to find a home jersey personally signed by the Reds’ new No.4.

The season-ticket holder from Cheshire - who attends games with his dad – received plenty of attention on social media at the end of December when he was photographed excitedly greeting Van Dijk as he arrived at Anfield for the Leicester City game ahead of the completion of his move to the club.

On what was a whirlwind day for the Netherlands defender as he sealed the formalities of his transfer from Southampton, he did not have an opportunity to stop for his young fan as he made his way down the stadium’s tunnel ahead of kick off due to his tight schedule.

However, Van Dijk asked club staff to help him track down the youngster so he could personally thank him for his support and the welcome he gave him at Anfield.

And once Rocco was identified and contact established with his family, the autographed shirt was personally dispatched from the club’s training base by the centre-back.

Rocco’s father, Jason, said: “He was absolutely gobsmacked when he got home from school and opened the package – he couldn’t believe it. I still don’t think he can.

“He was bouncing around the house all night, showing his brother and phoning his nan, his uncle and other family and friends to tell them.

“He couldn’t get to sleep that night because he was so excited, and he was still buzzing when we took him to school the next morning.

“I really think it’s an amazing gesture by Virgil. He didn’t have to do it, he didn’t have to go out of his way, but the fact he has means everything to Rocco and to me because it’s made my little lad so happy. We really can’t thank him enough.”

Rocco added: “It was the best day ever and I can’t say thank you enough to Virgil. I am going to frame it and keep it forever.”