Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he was left "sad" by Jordan Henderson's departure.

Henderson left for Al-Ettifaq this summer, with Van Dijk inheriting the captaincy.

"Obviously we won everything together, and I was very sad to see him leave, to be honest," said the Holland international. "But that's football, that's life, and he has the right to do that in this case. He made that decision, but if I can be as successful as he was as a captain then I would sign (up) for that immediately.

"It's step by step. I'm looking for consistency from our side, winning games, winning them the hard way at times, finding a way and creating a positive atmosphere where we all do it together. That includes the fans as well. That's how I want to attack the season and give everyone the assurance that we give everything for one another. Hopefully we will be successful."

Van DIjk added: "It is a very proud moment to be captain of this football club. I have been here for almost six years now and it is an incredible feeling and like I said I will do everything in my power to make the club and the fans proud. Hopefully we can get success and silverware as well."