‘I want to leave this legacy behind’: Van Dijk opens up on dream to inspire the next generation

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said he wants to leave a legacy behind that inspires the next generation of footballers.

Van Dijk is recognised as one of the greatest defenders of his generation, following a decorated career at Liverpool.

The 35-year-old has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup with the Reds, while he was named PFA Player of the Year in 2018/19. He also finished as runner-up for the Ballon d'Or in 2019.

At international level, he reached 100 caps for the Netherlands during the recent Nations League fixtures.

Van Dijk's contract at Liverpool is due to expire in the summer, though the centre-back remains a central figure in the side.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's fixture against Manchester City, Van Dijk was asked what he still hopes to achieve before he calls time on his career.

The Liverpool captain said his goal is to inspire the next generation, insisting being a role model is 'the biggest achievement you can do'.

"It's nice to inspire and I want to leave this legacy behind," Van Dijk told Sky Sports.

"I think I did pretty well so far but that's for others to say, in terms of inspiring the next generation. I think that's the biggest achievement you can do. To leave a legacy behind that inspired other kids. Like, how amazing when a young kid says I want to be like Virgil van Dijk?

"When I was young, I wanted to be like Ronaldinho. He inspired me and, I think, so many players from my generation. That's special.

"When I hear defenders that are playing at a high level now say that they look up to me, those are special moments and something that I really appreciate a lot."