Virgil van Dijk addresses retirement rumours as Liverpool captain issues blunt response

View 2 Images

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has quashed rumours suggesting he's on the brink of calling time on his international career. The Reds captain is gearing up for this summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where he'll lead the Netherlands onto the pitch.

Van Dijk remains an integral part of Liverpool's setup, having steered the club to Premier League glory last season during his second campaign as permanent captain.

Speculation surrounding the Dutchman's future swirled for several months last term as his contract ticked towards its expiry date.

However, Van Dijk ultimately committed his future to Liverpool by penning a fresh deal that ties him to Anfield until summer 2027. Mohamed Salah followed suit by signing a new contract around the same period, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold departed for Real Madrid .

The previous year also saw Van Dijk helping the Netherlands secure their place at this summer's World Cup, with qualification sealed following a 3-2 triumph over Lithuania last September, reports the Liverpool Echo .

Rumours began circulating after that match that Van Dijk might soon call time on his international career—claims the Liverpool captain has now firmly rejected.

"I never said that," Van Dijk told British Vogue's February edition. "I don't look too far ahead," he continued.

Van Dijk was also pressed on his vision for the next decade. "There's still years in my career so... I literally have no idea," said Van Dijk.

"As long as I'm happy and the kids are happy, it's cool."

View 2 Images

Van Dijk was last seen on the pitch for Liverpool on Thursday night when the Reds battled to a goalless draw with Arsenal in the Premier League, a result which leaves them in fourth place in the table and 14 points adrift of the Gunners who are still top of the standings.

Liverpool now gear up to take on Barnsley at Anfield on Monday night in the third round of the FA Cup , with it yet to be confirmed if Van Dijk will feature in the match.

If the Dutch defender doesn't make an appearance against Barnsley, his next opportunity will be when Liverpool lock horns with Burnley in the Premier League on January 17.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.