Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has indicated he could walk away from international football if new Netherlands manager Xavi fails to show him sufficient respect. The 35-year-old defender, who has earned 96 caps, will decide his future after meeting Xavi during the forthcoming international break.
World Cup exit and managerial change
Van Dijk was left heartbroken after the Netherlands were knocked out of the World Cup on penalties by Morocco in the last 32. The defeat prompted Ronald Koeman to step down as manager, with Xavi stepping in to replace him.
Xavi will aim to assemble a squad capable of lifting the 2028 Euros trophy, which will be jointly hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. Yet it remains uncertain whether Van Dijk is prepared to carry on as Netherlands captain.
Van Dijk insists he needs to feel valued
Van Dijk insists he needs to feel valued if he is to continue representing his nation. When quizzed on whether he would continue, the defender said: "It's a good question. I will have that meeting with the new manager first. Let's see.
"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.
"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 as Netherlands captain
Van Dijk made his international debut in 2015 and has skippered the Netherlands on 72 occasions, eclipsing the previous Dutch record of 71 held by Frank de Boer.
