He also admitted that Messi and Ronaldo have done pretty well in football for the past fifteen years.
Van Dijk, Messi and Ronaldo were up for UEFA’s Men’s Player of the Year award at the Champions League draw and awards ceremony in Monaco on Thursday.
But the Holland international won the prize ahead of Messi and Ronaldo.
Asked by the host, Reshmin Chowdhury how he feels to be alongside Messi and Ronaldo at the UEFA Player of the Year award, Van Dijk said: “I feel alright. I am very proud to be here, obviously with these two guys (Messi and Ronaldo) they have done pretty well for the last fifteen years and I am very proud to be here with them.”
Meanwhile, speaking after winning the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award, Van Dijk said: “I’m very proud to get this trophy. It’s credit to everyone who has helped me.
“I need to thank my team-mates, without them, I would not have achieved what I have achieved. It’s been a long road and it’s part of my journey.”
