Virgil van Dijk ponders over life in retirement amid coronavirus lockdown

By Liverpool Core Desk

Posted on May 10, 2020

UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Virgil van Dijk has revealed that he might have to face some harsh realities of life after retirement by giving fans an insight on what it feels like by staying at home during the coronavirus crisis.

The Premier League came to a standstill early in March due to the coronavirus outbreak that spread like wildfire. At the time, Liverpool were a monumental 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League table and seemed destined to be crowned as English champions for the first time since 1990.

With the coronavirus threat still looming large, the lockdown measures across the UK have been followed in strict guidance, restricting the ability of players to train with their teammates and further forcing them to keep fit within the comforts of their own homes.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk recently explained how these last two months under lockdown might be only a sneak peek of the sensation players feel after retirement, something the Dutchman is not hoping to face anytime soon.

While speaking to BT Sport the 28-year-old defender explained that he finds it difficult not able to represent Liverpool and display his talents “It’s difficult to not be out there, to show our talents, to work hard, just the small things in the game. Also playing for so many fans, winning, the whole build-up to games, training sessions, just seeing the boys. We spend so much time together and all of a sudden now you’re not together for like two months, almost.”

The Champions League winner further explained that it’s a much more different feeling than normal and he Van Dijk is beginning to appreciate the little things a lot more. Van Dijk then revealed that this might be a slight preview of a footballer’s life soon after retirement, “It’s different, it’s crazy, and it’s something that you really haven’t felt before, and it makes you appreciate things a little bit more. It’s going to be strange, and obviously I don’t want to think about retirement or anything like that, but it’s going to be strange. It makes you think how difficult it’s going to be for players to make the decision to retire, because what are you going to do after?”

Although most players in the Premier League are advised to train from their homes, Liverpool have tried to make the best out of the situation and keep spirits high through exercises and yoga training sessions on video conference mode Zoom.