Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has played down speculation about his future, reiterating his commitment to Liverpool’s immediate challenges.
The Dutchman, whose contract expires at the end of the season, dismissed questions about a potential departure as the Reds gear up for Sunday’s pivotal clash with Manchester City.
Also Read: ‘Best team in Europe’ says former Man Utd star on Liverpool
Speaking after Liverpool’s commanding 2-0 win over Real Madrid, Van Dijk was asked directly about his plans beyond the season. Laughing off the bold query, he said,
“What a direct question! You’re going to ask me that direct? But listen, at the moment there’s nothing I can say. The only thing I can say is that I’m fully focused on Man City from now on.”
While much of the recent focus has been on Mohamed Salah’s contract saga, Van Dijk’s situation has flown under the radar. With Liverpool yet to tie their captain to a new deal, questions about his long-term future persist, even as he maintains his composure.
When pressed about a possible summer move to Real Madrid, particularly with injuries sidelining Eder Militao and David Alaba, Van Dijk quipped,
“Well Rudiger is there, no? [Move] in the summer? Like I said to you before, the main focus for me is Man City, Liverpool, fully focused on that. I have nothing else to say regarding my future.”
Van Dijk is focused on Liverpool
For now, Van Dijk is firmly concentrated on keeping Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table. Sunday’s match offers a chance to extend their lead to 11 points over Manchester City, who have stumbled recently, failing to win in their last six matches.
“Obviously they’re not in the best form of their lives.”
Van Dijk admitted:
“I think injuries play a big part in that. We as a team have been in a situation like that when we had loads of injuries. It’s never easy to then find consistency and the confidence.”
However, he cautioned against underestimating Pep Guardiola’s side.
Also Read: Liverpool target rising star to replace declining legend – £40m deal looms!
“I know, like everyone else who understands football, and I’ve seen Man City over the last years, that they can turn things around any moment. Hopefully not on Sunday, but we have to be at our best to get a result.”
Van Dijk’s focus remains sharp:
“I think we should not look at anyone else but ourselves. As long as we are consistent, getting points on the board, that’s all that matters. I want to make sure that we as a team, as a club, are winning games, finding ways to win the game, working our socks off and staying calm.”
With their captain’s leadership, Liverpool are staying grounded as they prepare for their biggest test of the season so far.
Also Read: “A massive game”- Virgil van Dijk on UCL clash against Real Madrid
