Virgil van Dijk confirms commitment to Euro 2028 after talk with Xavi

On a cold Wednesday morning in a press room heading towards Germany, the 35‑year‑old Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is ready to meet the new national team coach Xavi. After a brief ten‑second conversation he immediately feels the confidence and decides to continue as an international up to Euro 2028.

Direct decision after conversation

After the short discussion with Xavi Van Dijk said: “After ten seconds it was already clear that I would continue.” He immediately felt the confidence of the new national team coach and indicated that he wants to keep playing for the Netherlands without hesitation.

He continued: “What he said? That I am Virgil van Dijk. It’s about confidence, appreciation, how important you are for the team.” The defender emphasized that these elements are decisive for him.

Van Dijk added that there is no physical doubt about his condition, but that he also wants to experience appreciation and enjoyment. “I didn’t miss that internally, but externally quite often,” he explained, emphasizing the role of the environment.

According to the Liverpool player, he is approached more critically in the Netherlands than in England and the rest of the world. During a vacation he thought about this extensively and concluded that the outside watch will not distract him.

With 96 international caps Van Dijk is close to the milestone of one hundred caps, but he indicated that this was not a decisive reason to continue. His ambition remains focused on reaching Euro 2028.

Outlook towards Nations League

After a disappointing World Cup the Dutch national team now focuses on the Nations League 2026/27. In the group stage the Oranje will meet Germany, Serbia and Greece, a challenge that Van Dijk sees as extra motivation.