A family feud is at the heart of why Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk only displays his Christian name on the back of his shirt.

Van Dijk's decision left many fans confused, with some having even jumped the gun by purchasing 'Van Dijk' shirts before the deal was announced.

But the 26-year-old's uncle told the Sun the decision is the result of a family feud.

“Virgil has done amazingly well to be such a success given the ups and downs there have been in his family," said Steven Fo Sieeuw to The Sun.

“His dad split with his mother and his three children, including Virgil, found it hard to forgive him for that.

“The truth is his dad was not around for so many important years and it is his mother who is the real hero of this story.

“You don't take your dad's name off your shirt without a reason and Virgil has made it very clear how he feels."