RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Virgil van Dijk will hold talks with new Netherlands manager Xavi before deciding whether to retire from international football.
The 35-year-old has hinted that he wants to carry on playing for his country but said he has to feel loved and appreciated.
Former Barcelona midfielder and manager Xavi has been appointed the new manager of the Netherlands , replacing Ronald Koeman, who had two stints in charge and who first gave Van Dijk the captaincy in 2018.
Now Van Dijk is wondering whether to continue. “It's a good question,” he said. “I will have that meeting with the new manager first. Let's see.
"It's also 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."
Van Dijk has captained the Netherlands in two World Cups and Euro 2024, when they reached the semi-finals, but he will turn 37 during Euro 2028.
Xavi is the new manager of the Netherlands (Reuters)
While he played more than 6,000 minutes for Liverpool and the Netherlands last season, the centre-back said he does not need to give up international football to concentrate on the club game.
"Not at all,” he added. “Some players do but not me. With anything you do, you want to feel respected, loved and appreciated for your work and the quality that you bring. Let's see if that's still the case, and then we'll go from there."
Van Dijk has won 96 caps and is four away from becoming the 11th man to play 100 times for the Netherlands.
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