Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has made himself available for the Netherlands' World Cup clash with Morocco, just days after his partner revealed she had suffered a miscarriage. Reds and Oranje captain Virgil van Dijk has rallied around Gakpo and his family, praising how they have dealt with the tragic situation.
Gakpo Ready to Play Against Morocco
On Saturday, Gakpo's girlfriend, Noa van der Bij, detailed on social media how their son, whom the couple had named Elijah, had died during pregnancy. The news led to an outpouring of support for Gakpo and his family, but the Reds attacker has declared himself ready to play a part for Ronald Koeman's side when they meet Morocco at Estadio Monterrey at 2am UK time on Tuesday morning.
“Being there for Cody is the most important thing,” Van Dijk told a press conference on Sunday. “It's terrible. At such a moment it becomes clear again that football is a side issue. And that there are more important things in life. It's very sad. You never want to go through this. But as the national coach says and knowing Cody, he is very keen to continue for a round. He dealt with it very maturely. I have a lot of respect for how he, but also Noa and his family, have handled this.”
Koeman: We Gave Him Freedom to Be with Family
In the press conference to preview the game with the North African nation, Koeman explained how the national side were willing to give Gakpo time off only for the frontman to express his desire to feature. “That was sad news we heard,” Koeman said. “What Cody, his wife and family have been told. We did everything in our power to support him. As a staff, we gave him the freedom to leave the hotel and be with the family in the first few days. I think Cody handled that very well. There has never been a moment when he said, 'I want to go back [home]' or 'I want to be with the family.' He has assessed that himself and done it in his own way. I think that shows maturity, how he and the family have dealt with this.”
“So he's ready to play and it doesn't weigh on his performance. He does this in his own way with the family, and that is very strong and beautiful. We have left it that way. We have been there as support, where we could be, just like the players.”
Emotional Social Media Post
In the emotional post on Saturday, Gakpo's long-term partner Noa wrote: “With broken hearts we share the devastating news that our baby boy passed away during pregnancy. Thank you for your love and support. Elijah Raphael Gakpo. Forever loved. Forever our son.”
