Virgil van Dijk has made it clear that he does not intend to end his professional football career in the Netherlands. The Liverpool defender, who began his career at FC Groningen, has no sentimental desire to return to Dutch football in his final playing years.
Van Dijk started his youth career at Willem II before moving to Groningen at the age of 19. After three seasons with the club, the current Netherlands national team captain moved abroad to join Celtic in Scotland. Following two successful seasons there, he made the switch to the Premier League with Southampton.
His career reached new heights in 2018 when he signed for Liverpool, where he has since won nine major trophies, including two Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League title.
Although he recently signed a contract extension with Liverpool that runs until June 2027, Van Dijk acknowledges the reality of aging. He turned 34 on July 8, and by the time his contract expires, he will be nearing 36. It is unlikely that he will extend his stay beyond the current deal, leaving him with two clear options: retirement or continuing his career elsewhere.
One thing he has ruled out, however, is a return to Dutch football.
“No, unfortunately not (a return to the Netherlands). I’ve been very clear about that. I will not go back to play in the Netherlands,” Van Dijk said, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
“I started my career there, and that means a lot to me. But I’m very firm in saying that I don’t want to return to the Eredivisie. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far, and ending my career in the Eredivisie is not something I’m considering.”
