Van Dijk insists his words were taken out context as he confirms I love the club

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has dismissed claims he could leave the club at the end of the season and has reinforced the fact he is 'fully committed' to the project at Anfield.

Van Dijk, who has 18 months left on his deal with Liverpool, originally refused to commit his long-term future to the club when asked how he felt following Jurgen Klopp's shock announcement last week.

The Liverpool manager stunned the footballing world on Friday afternoon when he announced he will be leaving Anfield in May after nine seasons, despite having two years left on his deal.

Klopp will be followed out the door by assistants Pep Lijnders, Vitor Matos and Peter Krawietz, while sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will also depart Liverpool after this current transfer window - leaving the club with a lot of job vacancies to fill before the summer.

Van Dijk's comments following the news worried fans and made them feel as though life without Klopp could me a lot more tumultuous than anticipated. However, the Dutchman has since clarified his point - saying his words were 'taken out of context'.

Speaking on the YouTube channel, Men in Blazers, Van Dijk said: 'It's been taken out of context. To be 100 per cent clear, I am fully committed to the club.

'I love the club. I love the fans. [That comment] has fully been taken out of context. It's not about me. It's not about 'I', it's about 'us'. Nothing has changed.

'Five days ago we weren't even speaking about my contract so it's a bit silly. My full focus is on making sure this year is a very special year.

'It was obviously a big announcement the last couple of days, it's been a big shock to each one of us connected to the club.

'I have been feeling exactly what the fans have been feeling in that exact