Celtic manager Ronny Delia has backed Virgin Van Dijk to show his commitment to the Scottish champions, despite significant reported interest from Arsenal towards the end of the summer transfer window, as reported by the Daily Express.
Van Dijk is also thought to have asked for a move away from Celtic after the club were eliminated from the Champions League in the qualifying stages, despite being given a second opportunity to qualify as a result of a registration problem from their opponents.
Arsenal were thought to be interested in the £8 million rated defender, who has also been the subject of interest from the likes of Sunderland, Newcastle United and Southampton.
Celtic boss Delia, who has come under criticism for the nature of the club’s exit from the Champions League, even dropped the player for their last match because of his mental state as a result of the speculation.
Having spoken to him, however, Delia is now convinced he will remain committed to the club, saying: “I have no concerns about his commitment. I can honestly say I’m really happy about language and he is happy. Now he is focused on getting good results with Celtic and getting better.
“I hope the supporters accept that as well. I understand they were not happy he didn’t play at Dundee, but that was my decision. Virgil was not 100 per cent in his head. But now he is.
“He has said to me that he is so grateful to be at this club. Without the chance to play for Celtic, he wouldn’t be where he is today. He saw an opportunity to leave, but then he didn’t go. He knows what he has here and he is looking forward to the rest of the season.
“He’s very happy now. He’s just become a dad and he’s been with his national team for the first time.
“He has to understand how important he is. He is such an unbelievably good player for us.”
