Captain Virgil van Dijk has revealed that he took the Carabao Cup home to show his children following Liverpool’s dramatic Wembley triumph over Chelsea.
The trophy spent the night on the counter in his kitchen before the proud Dutchman, who scored the winner late in extra time, returned it to the club’s training complex on Monday.
“When we arrived at the airport everyone went so I just took it home,” he revealed.
“I took care of it. I wanted to show my four kids in person close up and they were so happy to see it.
“Next day I took it back into training so everyone could take a picture with it at the AXA. The staff all played their part in the success we’ve had and they deserved to be holding the trophy.”
A depleted Liverpool side kept alive their hopes of a quadruple this season with Wednesday’s FA Cup win over Southampton setting up a quarter-final clash with rivals Manchester United.
Van Dijk was delighted by the impact of academy youngsters Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns as two 18-year-olds scored in the same game for the first club’s history.
There were also starts for teenagers Bobby Clark and James McConnell, while 16-year-old Trey Nyoni came off the bench to make his debut late on.
Van Dijk added: “I felt a little bit older when Trey came on – he’s half my age!
“It was a big night for all of them and they should really take it in and enjoy it and see it as a start and really use it in every way. It’s been an amazing effort, from the young boys especially.
“I told them ‘enjoy, don’t be nervous, play your game’. It’s sounds much easier said than done of course but that is the only thing you should tell them. They all have quality and all can play good football but it is about showing your quality.
“Learning from being around the first team is massive and you should soak it all in and not get carried away. In my career I’ve seen players who make their debuts after coming through the ranks and then disappear.
“For them it is about taking it all in and keep working. I am sure they will as they are at an amazing club to do that. Staying humble is a very important thing but we have a great culture and I’m definitely one of the guys to make sure they keep doing that.”
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