VIRGIL van Dijk has said Ronald Koeman was the reason he joined Saints from Celtic.

The Champions League winner arrived at St Mary's in 2015 after leaving the Scottish side.

It didn't take long for him to establish himself as one of the Premier League's best defenders.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Van Dijk explained why he signed for Saints in the first place.

He said: "The main reason [for joining] was Ronald Koeman.

"I knew players that were there, Dusan Tadic, Jordy Clasie, Graziano Pelle. We had a fantastic team at the time, and I think we had a record-breaking season in my first year there.

"I envisaged going there with all of these goals to achieve and my first season especially was outstanding. Southampton have been very good for me."

Van Dijk left Saints to join Liverpool for £75million in January 2018 after a very public pursuit from the Anfield side.

Liverpool apologised to Saints over "any misunderstanding" during their attempts to sign him the previous summer.

Van Dijk played 80 times for the St Mary's side.