Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk knows he has a big target on his back these days.

The Netherlands centre-back, 29, played a key role as the Reds ended a 30-year wait for a league title last season.

“I think trying to stay at the top is the hardest thing to do,” he told Eddie Hearn’s ‘No Passion No Point’ podcast.

“Everyone wants to see you fall when you reach the top. That is what life is about, especially these days.

“For me I want to give everything I have got until I retire and then have no regrets after.

“I don’t want any regrets afterwards, I think that would be the worst feeling you can have. It is going to be challenging times coming up. We are champions – something that took a while. We should enjoy the moment and go for it.”

Van Dijk admits he’s missing fans at stadiums – both home and away.

“The fans can play a massive part in difficult times during games and also at good times in games,” explained Van Dijk.

“When you concede the fans will lift you and when you score they make the opponent go further away from you.

“It’s the same case for everyone, but for us in particular everyone knows how difficult it is to play at Anfield with the fans behind us. Hopefully things can change as soon as possible because we need fans.

“It lifts our performances at home but when you play away and the home fans turn against you – I like that. It gives you that motivation sometimes to do better. It’s something I definitely enjoy and that I miss.”