Dries Mertens once mocked the 'This Is Anfield' sign and was made to regret it

Dries Mertens once mocked the iconic 'This Is Anfield' sign and was made to regret it following Napoli's clash against Liverpool.

The legendary sign at Anfield has been a hot topic in the football community following Wout Weghorst's mishap prior to Liverpool's drubbing of Manchester United last weekend.

But it's not as bad as what Mertens said about the sign ahead of Napoli's Champions League fixture against Liverpool back in December 2018.

The then-Napoli forward played down the significance of the 'This Is Anfield' sign in the build-up to their crucial European showdown and even poked fun at it.

Dries Mertens in action against Liverpool. Image: PA

Speaking in an interview with The Times, he said: "My strongest memory is that they have a sign saying 'This Is Anfield' and everyone was talking about it, so I was thinking it's very big, you know.

"I came through the tunnel and I asked, 'Where is the thing?' and they said you missed it and I hadn't noticed it."

Mertens added: "So, in the second half, I'm looking at this small thing and asking, 'Is this so special?'"

Well, his words came back to haunt him as the Italian side succumbed to Liverpool on that night, losing 1-0.

Mohamed Salah scored the only goal of the game, with Alisson producing a brilliant save late on to secure a big win on home soil.

Mertens could do with explaining his view on the 'This Is Anfield' sign having experienced a defeat at Liverpool, something Weghorst was forced to do after he touched the sign before walking onto the pitch.

He defended his actions and claimed he was trying to 'wind up' fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk.

"Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one it's worth it because you amazing United fans are important to me. So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds," he wrote on Instagram.

"From the National team I know that Virgil always touches that sign and I went to stop him touching it to try and wind him up before the game.

"As a child I always supported FC Twente, and as a proud player for Manchester United, my dedication to this incredible club can never be questioned.

"Sunday was a terrible day for all of us, we are putting everything into making it right in the next weeks. We will bounce back together and achieve our aims this season."