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CELTIC star Virgil van Dijk is settling into his new life in Glasgow – with the help of his stunning Dutch girlfriend.

Rike Nooitgedagt, 22, gave up a high-powered job to move with her man when he signed a £2.6million, four-year deal from Dutch side FC Groningen last June.

And Rike says the couple are loving life in Glasgow.

She said: “I worked as a sales manager and sold different fashion-brands to the stores in Holland. I loved it but it was busy and hard work.

“So for now it’s just settling in and relaxing so we can both begin our new adventure. And the future will tell how it’s going to go.”

She also says they have been overwhelmed by the kindness of fans and Glaswegians in general.

Rike added: “The Celtic fans are amazing, the sound they make is unreal.

(Image: PA)

“I think Celtic is a very good club, the people are very friendly and helpful. Most of the people I meet understand how it is to live in an other country, so they help me a lot.

“When I was in Holland, they talked about the ‘Celtic Family’ and now I know what they mean.

“We had a couple nights out and I enjoyed it a lot. They are very nice and make me very welcome in Glasgow.”

Central defender van Dijk had a shaky start at Celtic, but has become a firm fans’ favourite following a number of outstanding displays.

(Image: PA)

Virgil said: “I like the city centre, the people and the fans.

“I like the social scene and people are always nice to me.

”It’s important to have someone to help with everything and I’m thankful my girlfriend joined me.

“She does some charity work and had a busy and hectic job before she came with me to Scotland.

“That was definitely a big decision for her and I thank her for that.”