Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has sent out a heart-warming message via social media after making a return to the pitch in Liverpool’s pre-season-friendly match on Thursday.

The Dutch international has been out of action for the last nine months, following a knee injury, but featured in the final 20 minutes of the Reds’ match against Hertha BSC in Austria. 

“285 days ago, I started on a journey back towards playing,” said the Reds’ No.4.

“It’s hard to express how I am feeling, but it’s important to me that I say I feel blessed to have had the support of so many incredible people.

“The surgeon, my physios, coaches, and staff who have been with me in my corner since day one. My teammates for giving me energy and keeping my head up. The fans for their love, support, and encouragement.

“And most of all, my family because without them, I’d be nothing. Thank you.

“The work doesn’t stop now. It’s only just starting. We keep going!”

285 days ago, I started on a journey back towards playing. It’s hard to express how I am feeling, but it’s important to me that I say I feel blessed to have had the support of so many incredible people. The surgeon, my physios, coaches and staff who have been with me in my 1/2 pic.twitter.com/jdWKUHykDI

— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) July 29, 2021

Joe Gomez, who has also been out for months returned, giving the former Premier League Champions a welcoming boost ahead of the 2021/22 season.