Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk recently had the opportunity to reflect on his humble beginning before becoming one of the prominent figures in Jürgen Klopp’s Champions League winning team.
Van Dijk’s Rough Beginning
The Netherlands International told a Spanish media outlet ‘Sport’ that he had a very rough beginning that he had to wash pots for a living long before he turned 16 years old.
“Before signing my first contract, at about 16, I was working washing pots in a restaurant in Breda,” he said.
The 28-year-old Anfield favourite defender narrated how he had to go for football training on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and then worked Wednesdays and Sundays from 6 am until midnight every week just to survive.
Van Dijk revealed that he continued with this lifestyle until he had his first professional football contract with Groningen which earned him about €350 a month.
“I was happy with that. I could go to McDonald’s and pay for my friends. I started to realise how important money could be, even though it’s not the most important thing”, he said.
Van Dijk Wants to be a Legend
On how he wants to be remembered in Liverpool, Van Dijk said he wants to be remembered as a legend in Liverpool. He noted how he always feels like he belongs to a big family whenever he sees former players of clubs go to stadiums to watch their former teams play.
“I want to achieve incredible things here.
“I would like to be one of those players that return to Anfield after retiring. I see club legends at games and I feel part of a really big family.”
Liverpool will keep winning
On the potency of Liverpool football club that has been on fire all season long before the coronavirus pandemic interrupted football matches across the world, Van Dijk said the club has all the tools necessary to keep winning.
“We have all the tools necessary to go on winning: A coach that we identify with, a versatile squad, a style of play that breeds victories, a stadium and supporters that play their part.
“We have a fantastic team, we don’t lack anything, we have all the tools necessary to go on winning: A coach that we identify with, a versatile squad, a style of play that breeds victories, a stadium and supporters that play their part.”
Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for £75 million. Since he joined the club, he has helped the club to reach the 2018 UEFA Champions League final.
He has also helped the club to win the 2019 UEFA Champions League and the club’s first FIFA Club World Cup.
