Virgil van Dijk has sent an emotional message after his Liverpool comeback.
Van Dijk made his first appearance for Jurgen Klopp’s side in over nine months as they lost 4-3 to Hertha Berlin in a pre-season friendly on Thursday evening.
The Holland international last featured for the Reds in October’s Merseyside derby, when a knee injury ruled him out for the rest of the previous campaign.
His defensive partner and fellow long-term absentee Joe Gomez also made a second-half cameo as part of Liverpool’s new season preparations in Innsbruck.
Writing in a lengthy Twitter post, Van Dijk reflected on his arduous journey back to fitness and thanked his teammates and Liverpool fans for their support.
He said: “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 corner since day one. My team-mates 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!”