Virgil van Dijk has admitted he could quit international football if new Netherlands boss Xavi does not respect him enough. The Liverpool captain was left devastated by the Netherlands' exit from the World Cup on penalties to Morocco in the last 32, a defeat that led to Ronald Koeman resigning as manager.
Talks planned with new boss Xavi
Xavi has replaced Koeman and will look to build a team capable of winning the 2028 Euros, which will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. But it remains to be seen whether Van Dijk is willing to continue as Netherlands skipper.
The 35-year-old, who has won 96 caps, insists he wants to feel valued if he is to continue representing his country. Van Dijk admits he will make a decision following talks with Xavi during the next international break.
Van Dijk wants to feel appreciated
When asked if he could keep playing for the Netherlands, the defender said: "It's a good question. I will have that meeting with the new manager first. Let's see."
He added: "It's a little bit down to that conversation. Everyone wants to feel appreciated, loved and important. I feel like I'm still very much valuable and important for the team."
Van Dijk continued: "If the manager sees it that way then we're going to have another good two years. If not, then we will see. I will have the meeting with him and then we'll go from there."
Record-breaking captain
Van Dijk made his international debut in 2015 and has captained the Netherlands 72 times, surpassing the previous Dutch record of 71 set by Frank de Boer. His future with the national team now rests on the conversation with Xavi, with the defender set to decide his international career based on whether he feels respected and valued by the new manager.
