Virgil van Dijk recovered from two serious knee injuries in the past, which proved to be both a physically and mentally demanding ordeal. In the Christmas special of VI, the captain of the Dutch national team and Liverpool reveals that, for his rehabilitation, he even relocated to Dubai for seven weeks. 'That was almost the best time of our lives.'
In an effort to expedite his recovery process, Virgil van Dijk, accompanied by his family, embarked on a journey to Dubai.
The time spent in the Emirate proved to be a transformative experience for the 32-year-old defender, who currently serves as captain for both the Dutch national team and Liverpool. Reflecting on this period, he expressed, 'That was almost the best time of our lives. Together. I will never forget it. It made me, made us so much stronger me mentally, and us as a family.'
For professional footballers, extended breaks are not typically part of the routine. Van Dijk elaborates, 'Normally, you get a week or two off, and then the preparation starts again.' However, this time was different, as he had seven weeks with his family. Throughout this period, he dedicated himself to rigorous daily rehabilitation efforts, but the unique circumstance allowed for ample quality time together.
Van Dijk is careful not to downplay the significance of football, emphasizing, 'It's just that family and health are the things that really matter in life. And I was able to enjoy them when I couldn't play for a while.'
He perceives the experience as a valuable lesson, stating, 'The lesson, if you can call it that, is that you can endure difficult periods in football much more easily when everything is in order at home.' This insight underscores the importance of a solid support system and personal well-being in navigating the challenges that come with a professional football career, especially in the context of his impactful role with Liverpool.
