Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has sent a message on social media after his country crashed out of the World Cup at the hands of Morocco earlier this week
20:43, 06 Jul 2026Updated 20:52, 06 Jul 2026
Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands.
Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands.(Image: Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has issued an emotional statement to Netherlands fans after his country's early World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco.
Ronald Koeman's side lost on penalties in Mexico with Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all missing from the spot. The African team will take on France next having since also eliminated Canada, with one of Portugal, Spain, the US or Belgium awaiting in a potential semi-final on that side of the tournament.
"As captain, all I ever wanted was to make this country proud," Van Dijk says. "To see our World Cup end so early is heartbreaking because I know how much this team gave every single day.
"A lot has been said and that is for another day. Now is about accepting that we failed, and we take full responsibility for that.
"I’d like to thank our traveling fans and everyone back home who believed in us and stood by us until the end. We saw you, and we felt your support every step of the way."
Head coach Koeman, who left Liverpool man Jeremie Frimpong out of his squad for the competition, resigned a few days ago, with Arne Slot thought to be among the candidates to take over.
Should the former Liverpool boss take over the main role with his country, he would reunite with Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo too, who he worked with at Anfield.
Hypothetically, Slot's first game in charge could be against Jurgen Klopp, who is expected to take the Germany job from Julian Nagelsmann. The Netherlands will meet Die Mannschaft in the UEFA Nations League in September.
There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Liverpool.com will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.
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