Virgil van Dijk says he will not retire at the end of the season, even if Liverpool do not offer him a new contract.
The 35-year-old’s current Anfield deal expires in June 2027 and talks are expected to begin in the coming weeks over a renewal.
Van Dijk has played every minute for the Reds this season and has shown little sign of regression despite his age, forming a strong central defensive pairing with new signing Jeremy Jacquet.
And the Dutch international is keen to continue playing whatever happens at Liverpool.
talking later the win at Crystal Palace on Sundayhe said: “I want to keep playing and keep doing what I’m doing, so let’s see what the season brings.
“I’ve had an amazing time so far. If this lasts, so be it. If not, I’ll go somewhere else. Nothing to report at the moment, but that doesn’t mean there’s any stress or anything.
“I’m fine, but it’s not about me at this point. I’m not in any kind of panic.”
Liverpool defender Van Dijk struggles with ‘small niggle’
Van Dijk has been forced to withdraw from the Netherlands squad for the matches with Greece and Germany due to injury, but was quick to stress that it was nothing serious.
He added: “Mentally I’m in a good place, physically I’ve been struggling with a bit of discomfort the last few weeks, but I’m doing everything in my power to be out there.”
It would be a surprise if Liverpool opted to give Van Dijk at least one more year, especially as the club are short in defense following Ibrahima Konate’s move to Real Madrid.
Jacquet is thriving, but Joe Gomez’s fitness remains a concern, with his contract also up next summer, while Giovanni Leoni is sidelined after tearing his ACL.
