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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.
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 Plans to be a Legend at the Merseyside
On how he wants to be remembered in Liverpool, Van Dijk said he plans 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 and even coaches 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.”
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 Leaguefinal.
He has also helped the club to win the 2019 UEFAChampions League and the club’s first FIFA Club World Cup.
