Gerrard appears alongside Van Dijk and Graeme Souness in Liverpool FC's new original film "Captain", which will be fully launched on All Red on Tuesday, August 18.

Gerrard revealed that he played a special role in Liverpool's signing of Van Dijk in January 2018. The Dutch center-back joined from Southampton for a club-record £75 million, and the transfer was officially announced on December 27 with an impressive image of him standing next to a Christmas tree.

Liverpool had tried to sign Van Dijk as early as the summer of 2017, and the Dutch international had made it clear at the time that he wanted to move to Merseyside, despite interest from Manchester City and Chelsea.

But Liverpool were then forced to step back and wait until the winter window to act, as the club had apologized to Southampton for illegal player contact.

Liverpool ultimately got their man, and neither the club nor the player have looked back since. After eight and a half years at Anfield, Van Dijk has won all major honors, leading Liverpool to the Premier League title as captain, and has established his place in the club's history.

Gerrard now reveals that the defender actually called him back in 2017, when Van Dijk was still considering which club to join.

Gerrard recalled: "He actually called me. I know his agent well. At the time it was Manchester City and Liverpool."

"He said, 'I'm not calling you to push me in one direction, because I know which direction you'll push me. But can you tell me more about Liverpool?'"

"I just said to him, 'Listen, if you're concerned about what these clubs represent, what these clubs mean, then you're wasting your time, because I think you already know the answer.'"

"It was a very interesting conversation, and I'm very glad he chose us in the end."

Gerrard appears alongside Van Dijk and Graeme Souness in Liverpool FC's new original film "Captain", which will be fully launched on All Red on Tuesday, August 18.

After hearing the Liverpool man's recollection, Van Dijk revealed that Gerrard, Henderson, and Klopp all played a decisive role in his final decision to join Liverpool.

Van Dijk said: "Of course, I remember that call. Obviously, you, Henderson, and Klopp were all very important to me."

"Being able to talk to you already meant a lot to me. The feeling was very strong, and I really wanted to play for this club."

"The fans embraced me from day one. Scoring in my debut against Everton also helped a lot!"

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com