The 34-year-old Netherlands international was speaking to Dutch broadcaster NOS ahead of the World Cup, offering the most candid player response yet to a sacking that shocked much of the dressing room.
"I landed in Amsterdam on Saturday afternoon and it had already leaked. After that, I naturally had conversations. But the decision had already been made earlier. It is not that they spoke to me before about how or what."
Van Dijk reserved warm words for both Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.
"I have spoken to Arne and to Sipke. That is what matters most to me. I am very grateful to them — for everything they have meant, not just for me but also for the club. I wish them nothing but success."
He then turned his fire on the media handling of the announcement.
"We now live in a world where everyone wants to be first with the news. It is these people who benefit from it. Yes... this is the reality."
Slot was sacked last Saturday after two seasons at Anfield. He won the Premier League title in his debut campaign — Liverpool's 20th championship — but presided over a collapse in form in year two, losing 20 matches across all competitions and finishing fifth. Van Dijk's own contract expires next summer, leaving his future unresolved as Andoni Iraola prepares to take over.