Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk has revealed his thoughts on future plans after retirement in a Sky Sports interview with Manchester United legend Gary Neville. Arne Slot's side were widely expected to challenge for the Premier League again this season, but have had a disappointing season so far. They are currently 6th in the league, and would be hoping to finish the season in a UCL spot and qualify for the Champions League.
Van Dijk himself hasn't been at his best so far this season, and would be hoping to at least finish the rest of the season in a strong manner. The Dutch centre back has made 24 appearances for Liverpool in the Premier League so far this campaign. He renewed his contract with the club last year, and is expected to stay at Liverpool till mid 2027.
Liverpool leader Virgil Van Dijk reveals post-retirement plans in interview with Man Utd icon Gary Neville
The following is what Van Dijk said when asked by Gary Neville during the Sky Sports interview if he could move into punditry, or whether a stint in the dugout might appeal:
“I'd never say never, because I feel like I have that platform of saying or doing the right thing, but I don't see myself being a pundit.
“I don't think I see myself being a coach. I feel like you're stepping from one world in terms of being under pressure constantly - not that I don't like it because it's part of what I wanted to be - to then quitting for a little bit and then go back in it, and then also have no control really of what's going to happen on the pitch.
“I really like inspiring the next generation. I'm at the academy quite a lot because I feel like those are the guys that are eventually going to keep Liverpool up there. I have my own youth tournament and I want to make sure it's the biggest U13s tournament in the world, so something with that. I know what it brings to those youngsters, and I really like that. But let's see, there's plenty of time.”
Virgil Van Dijk also made many other interesting statements during the interview. You can click the link here to watch Virgil Van Dijk's full Sky Sports interview with Gary Neville.
Our opinion on Virgil Van Dijk's potential plans for life after football
Virgil Van Dijk will go down in history as one of the best defenders of all time, at least in modern football. The Liverpool captain is not just an excellent player, but an inspiration for millions of football fans who wish to make it one day. His legendary comeback after suffering a career-threatening ACL injury is a motivation for any sports lover and young footballer out there, as he didn't let the devastating injury take away his confidence and went on to lift the Premier League title with Liverpool.
From his opinion in the Sky Sports interview, it does sound like Van Dijk will still be associated with football one or the other even after his playing days. We may not see Van Dijk the pundit or the coach, but it does look like he'll be surprising us and undoubtedly excelling in another football-related role after his iconic career ends.
