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Virgil van Dijk opens up on retirement plans as one touted avenue is ruled out by Liverpool legend

<p>Netherlands international Van Dijk began his career at Groningen in the Dutch top-flight but the 33-year-old, who has spent seven years at Liverpool, made it clear he will not be returning to that league before he hangs up his boots.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>He told <a href="https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/van-dijk-heeft-slecht-nieuws-voor-fc-groningen-en-willem-ii" target="_blank">Voetbal International</a>: "I am very clear about that: I will not return to the Netherlands. I started here, and that was very important to me. I am very clear that I do not want to return to the Eredivisie. I am quite proud of my career so far and I think that finishing in the Eredivisie is not an option."</p>

WHAT VAN DIJK SAID

<p>Van Dijk <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/liverpool-keep-captain-virgil-van-dijk-joins-mohamed-salah-extending-contract-anfield-arne-slot-project/blt83a64acdeca54d78#cs6cb9cdd40b4c0356" target="_blank">signed a new two-year deal</a> to extend his stay at Anfield until the summer of 2027, ending speculation about a possible Liverpool exit. After starring at Celtic, Southampton, and the Reds, it seems the big defender is focusing on playing at the highest level for as long as he can, rather than returning to the Eredivisie. It remains to be seen what he will do next when his contract with the Merseyside outfit expires, though.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Van Dijk, who played a vital role in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/liverpool-player-ratings-tottenham-party-alexis-mac-allister-mohamed-salah-premier-league-title/bltfc91b236fda08fd4" target="_blank">Liverpool's Premier League title triumph this season</a>, could represent his country against Malta in their next 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, before heading off on his summer break.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Virgil van Dijk opens up on retirement plans as one touted avenue is ruled out by Liverpool legend | Goal.com

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has ruled out returning to the Eredivisie when he rounds off his illustrious career.