'I rejected Man City transfer because of Liverpool boss – he has something special'

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Virgil van Dijk previously revealed the attraction of working under Jurgen Klopp prompted him to turn down the chance to join Manchester City . During his spell at Southampton , the Dutchman was among the most coveted defenders on the planet with City, Liverpool and Chelsea all vying for his signature.

However, it was the Reds who emerged victorious in January 2018 as they secured Van Dijk in a £75million transfer , making him the world's most expensive defender. In the eight years he's been at Anfield, the 34-year-old has claimed eight major trophies including two Premier League titles and the Champions League .

He's also collected numerous individual honours but it's a scenario that might never have materialised as Van Dijk previously disclosed his chance to team up with Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

Van Dijk said: "I had the chance to go to Chelsea and Man City. When you compare the clubs, you look at the history, the town, the current squad, their plans for the near future. But the most important thing you look at is the manager – and Jurgen Klopp is an important reason why I chose for Liverpool.

"Klopp has something special. Is it his energy? Is it his overall image? I sometimes sit and think about what he does and what he has more than others. I think it is his man-management. These days that is more important than anything in football.", reports the Liverpool Echo .

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Van Dijk praised Klopp's capacity to motivate and his skill in managing a squad as he added: "Klopp gives you this great feeling. He is genuinely happy when you walk into the club in the morning. It may sound daft, but that really inspires you as a player.

"He gives every player a hug after the game. It might be a really small detail, yet it feels good for every player. And the next day, he can hammer you in front of the squad in training. But then you accept that too. Because you know it is not personal. That way he can demand a lot from us."

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Liverpool and City have shared numerous clashes over the past decade as the latest instalment of their rivalry unfolds on Saturday in the FA Cup quarter-finals in Manchester. The Reds will come up against a recognisable face in former Liverpool coach Pep Lijnders who will oversee City owing to Guardiola's two-match touchline suspension.