In order to remain at Liverpool for the next two years at the very least, Virgil Van Dijk has stated he wants to sign a new deal.
The Reds captain is free to discuss his future with overseas teams as early as January as he enters the final year of his current contract at Anfield.
The Saudi Pro League expressed interest in signing Van Dijk this summer, but he has since stated that he intends to remain at Liverpool through the 2026 World Cup.
“I am still Virgil van Dijk, the big leader, at both teams,” he exclaimed. And for the next two years, I definitely want to stay that way. As a human, I am also emotional. You begin to think in a variety of ways. especially right after a match like England’s loss in the final seconds.
“I acknowledge that my position in all of this may not have been evident at first, as I was rather emotional and unhappy after the match. Maybe it sounded like it was my final international game. That night, I did have reservations, and I did make mention of them.
It’s excellent that I was able to spend time with my family, which is the most important thing in my life, when I went on vacation the following day. After I was able to communicate it, things quickly became more peaceful.
Van Dijk continued by acknowledging that he had doubts about his personal performance during the 2024 European Championship in Germany, but after speaking with Ronald Koeman, the manager of the Netherlands, he is determined to continue being a vital member of his team.
Van Dijk continued, “Last year’s season was incredibly long and intense, including the Euros.” “I give the lads and the squad a lot of my attention. I make an effort to speak with everyone and am always occupied. That’s the obligation I’ve had for years. The team comes first as captain, followed by yourself.
However, it shouldn’t come at the price of your own effectiveness. I think I’ve always done a great job of managing that. During the European Championship, when I’m in a bubble, I feel a lot of responsibility for several things. That may occasionally result in some trying circumstances.
Did my game suffer as a result of that? I am a realistic person who finds it difficult to find excuses.
“Personal, it could have been better from a football perspective. That’s what I’ve concluded. Not that anything went wrong, at all, but there were a lot of high expectations, and I was unable to meet them.
As soon as I spoke with the national coach, I felt comfortable with it. It is customary for the captain and national coach to evaluate the outcome of the European Championship.
However, it’s also about the self-assurance you acquire as you assess your own skills and wonder if you still matter enough. I am significant both on and off the pitch. Although it pains me to admit it, I am. Both at the national team and the club, the burden of responsibility is still very great.
