The real reason Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk opts not to wear his surname on his shirt is a heartbreaking one.
On Wednesday evening, Arne Slot will face one of the most anticipated matches of his first season as Liverpool boss when he takes on Everton in the first Merseyside derby of the season.
Before the match, several of Liverpool’s senior players will likely have been preparing the new manager for the hostile reception at Goodison Park.
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And who better to teach Slot about the derby than his fellow countryman and club captain, Van Dijk?
Having spent seven years at Liverpool, Van Dijk is one of the longest-serving players in Slot’s squad, with over 300 appearances for the Reds.
One notable decision by the Dutchman has been to have his first name on the back of his Liverpool shirt, rather than his surname as most footballers do. ..Continue Reading
A close family member has previously disclosed that Van Dijk’s choice to forgo his surname is due to his strained relationship with his father.
Speaking to The Sun back in 2018, his uncle Steven Fo Sieeuw, said: “His dad split with his mother and three children, including Virgil.
“The truth is his dad was not around for so many important years, and it is his mother who is the real hero of this story.
“You don’t take your dad’s name off your shirt without a reason, and Virgil has made it very clear how he feels.”
Despite the heartbreaking reason behind Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk’s decision to remove his father’s name from his shirt, it hasn’t hindered his performances on the pitch.
Over his seven years at Anfield, Van Dijk has enjoyed a distinguished career, winning eight trophies, including the Premier League and the Champions League.
Additionally, the 33-year-old has received numerous individual accolades, such as being named the UEFA Best Player in Europe in 2019.
