Programme notesVirgil van Dijk: Enjoy yourselves and make Anfield the happiest place in the world

Van Dijk and his teammates sealed the club's 20th top-flight crown on a day for the ages when they beat Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 on April 27.

And the Reds return to L4 this afternoon to host Arsenal in what is likely to be another special atmosphere.

Writing in his column in the matchday programme, the captain says: "I can't believe it has already been two weeks since we were confirmed as Premier League champions. Two weeks since that rollercoaster of emotions and that outpouring of sheer, collective joy at Anfield.

"That was, without doubt, the best moment of my professional career. It's a huge achievement however you do it, of course, but to experience what we did that day, to see what it meant to everyone and to feel the love, the passion and the togetherness of this wonderful club made it even sweeter, even more special.

"We waited a long time for that, and I can assure you it felt even better than we imagined it would. The memories of that day, the photographs, the videos and the pure emotions, they will live with me forever.

"I've enjoyed lots of special moments with this club and in my career so far, but it will take a lot to top this one.

"It means so much because of what went before, and because we all worked so, so hard for it. So while we still have work to do between now and the end of the season – and believe me, we will be taking it very seriously – it is also right that we both recognise and enjoy what has been a huge team effort, and a huge achievement.

"You guys certainly did that down at Chelsea last weekend, despite what was a disappointing result in the end. I always love seeing and hearing our away supporters, wherever we play, but the atmosphere and the noise you generated inside Stamford Bridge was really something.

"It was spoken about in our dressing room after the game, that's for sure. We loved hearing our names sung, loved seeing how happy and joyful you all were, and while we were all disappointed we couldn't get the win on the day, it does make us even more determined to make sure we finish the season on a high, to reward you for your amazing support throughout the campaign.

"Today, of course, is the perfect place to start in that regard. We don't like losing football matches anywhere, but we especially don't like losing games at Anfield, and that will be a big motivation for us here as we take on an Arsenal side that will have a lot of motivation themselves.

"We ask today that you do what you have done all season; and that's to enjoy yourselves and to make Anfield the loudest, happiest, most colourful place in the world.

"After all, that's the only way it should be when you're champions…"

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