Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has clarified comments regarding his international future with the Netherlands.
Van Dijk captained the national team as the Netherlands began their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 5-2 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday evening.
The Dutch defender’s inclusion in this month’s squad comes despite suggesting he could retire from international football following the nation’s Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to England.
The 33-year-old hinted the summer’s European Championship could be his final tournament with the Netherlands at full-time, but has now moved to clarify his international future.
Van Dijk has said he will ‘never say no’ to the national team if called upon and has promised to continue leading the Dutch for as long as he is selected.
“I was super disappointed after that game vs England, full of emotion,” Van Dijk said on his previous comments.
“I understand that I might have come across as if I played my last game. But I am a fighter, I am a warrior, I will never say ‘no’ to the National Team.
“I want to play another World Cup. I know I am still more than good enough. I am the captain of Liverpool, a consistent factor and I feel excellent physically while I am improving on the ball too.”
Asked specifically if he had doubts surrounding his international future with the Oranje, the Liverpool captain added: “That night, yes. But I was full of emotion.”
Van Dijk’s club future remains uncertain
Van Dijk is also facing uncertainty in his club career after entering the final season of his contract at Liverpool. The club captain is one of three high-profile players whose deals expire in the summer, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.
Van Dijk remains an integral part of the Reds under new head coach Arne Slot, though there has so far been no public progress on an extension to his contract.
