Van Dijk warns he could retire from Netherlands if Xavi fails to show him respect

Virgil van Dijk has put his Netherlands future in doubt, warning that he could walk away from international football if new head coach Xavi does not demonstrate sufficient respect for him during their first meeting.

The Liverpool captain, 35, spoke out in the wake of the Netherlands’ elimination from the World Cup at the last-32 stage, where they lost on penalties to Morocco — a defeat that prompted Ronald Koeman to resign as manager. Xavi has since been appointed to lead the Dutch side through a new cycle targeting the 2028 European Championship, co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

Van Dijk, who has earned 96 caps and captained the Netherlands a record 72 times — surpassing the previous Dutch record of 71 set by Frank de Boer — insists the decision will rest on how that first conversation with Xavi goes during the next international break.

“It’s a good question,” Van Dijk said when asked whether he would continue representing his country. “I will have that meeting with the new manager first. Let’s see. It’s 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.”

The defender was unambiguous about the conditions he requires. “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.”

He added: “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’s club future, by contrast, appears settled. He is set to lead Liverpool into a new era under head coach Andoni Iraola, with his role at Anfield not in question. It is solely his international standing that remains unresolved, with the outcome of his meeting with Xavi likely to determine whether one of the Netherlands’ most decorated captains continues into the 2028 cycle or brings his international career to a close.