Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk has revealed that despite Celtic's efforts to keep him at the club, it was time to move on to a greater challenge of playing for Southampton.

The 24-year-old has joined the Saints on a five-year deal for a fee widely reported to be around £11million.

"I would like to thank all the Celtic fans for the magnificent support they have given me during my time at the club," he told Celtic's official website.

"Celtic is a brilliant football club; it will always be in my heart and I will always be a Celtic supporter myself.

"I know Celtic did not want me to leave and wanted to extend my contract. The club did everything to keep me and I appreciate that but I felt the time was right for a new challenge in the English Premier League.

"I thank everyone at the club, the manager and all the staff and I wish Celtic and the fans the very best for the future."