Holland defender Virgil van Dijk has been named new captain of Liverpool.
Van Dijk succeeds Jordan Henderson after his sale to Al-Ettifaq.
The Dutchman told liverpoolfc.com: "A really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, my family. Obviously it's been a special feeling and I can't really describe it at this point. But it's something that I'm really, really proud of.
"Obviously I'm captain of Holland, that was already such a huge honour, a proud moment as well. But also to be the captain of Liverpool Football Club is something that I can't describe at this point. It's just something that makes me very proud and I will do everything in my power and what I can do to make everyone proud and happy with me and the football club.
"It's business as usual but obviously we know we lost players (Henderson and James Milner) in this last period that were big, big figures in the dressing room especially but also on the pitch. Others have to step up and take responsibility in the team, including myself. But yeah, there is a little bit more that comes along but I'm looking forward to it. It's obviously going to be not easy at times, it's going to be difficult on and off the pitch but I like challenges and I like to go for it. Obviously I know what it is to be a captain and now to be captain of Liverpool Football Club, I'm looking forward to it a lot and hopefully we can get a lot of success.
"Obviously over the last couple of weeks there's been a lot of talks about Jordan leaving us and then there's going to be the captain and the vice-captain leaving over the summer and then there will be changes. Obviously personally I was already the third captain of the team in the last couple of seasons and thinking ahead [that] there could be a big chance that I become the permanent captain of the club.
"Until the gaffer told me, it was obviously, I wouldn't say a nervous moment but it was still unclear. When he told me, I was obviously very thankful and I want to not only repay him but repay the club as well for their trust and hopefully create good memories. I'm looking forward to the season."
