Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk hints at fashion career after playing days are done

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has opened up about his life beyond football after featuring in a Vogue photo shoot, cheekily refusing to rule out a future on the catwalk

Virgil van Dijk has joked about a career change in the future(Image: (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images))

Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk has playfully suggested he might consider a future on the catwalk once he hangs up his boots.

The Dutch centre-back, widely regarded as one of the best of his generation, is primarily celebrated for his performances on the pitch. However, he recently traded the Anfield turf for the spotlight of a Vogue photo shoot, striking poses for a series of images, including one wrapped in a Liverpool flag.

When asked by Vogue whether more fashion shoots could be on the cards, the 34 year old laughed, responding: "I mean... Never say never." But supporters needn't fret – there's no indication yet that he'll be trading his football boots for the runway any time soon.

Van Dijk remains under contract at Liverpool until 2027, having signed a two-year extension just before the conclusion of last season. He inherited the captain's armband following Jordan Henderson's departure to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2013, and has been a constant presence since his high-profile transfer from Southampton, reports the Mirror.

The Dutchman delivered another commanding display in the recent goalless stalemate against Premier League leaders Arsenal, as he aims to help reignite the Reds' campaign following an uneven start.

Speaking about the match and Liverpool's inconsistent season, Van Dijk commented: "If you play for Liverpool, you have to play with confidence and still be confident even if it has been a very inconsistent season.

"There is an opportunity every three or four days. You want to go out there and enjoy yourself, but also to show your quality with every moment that you have.

Virgil van Dijk has helped Liverpool pick up some better results in recent weeks(Image: (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))

"There was a lot of noise around this game and a lot of talk around this game, and we managed everything pretty well and we had the biggest chance in the end with the ball on the crossbar. Listen, we have had very good performances throughout the season but not for 90 minutes.

"We have been very inconsistent, and consistency is the key to being successful and that has been proven. That is what we had last year and unfortunately in that sense we haven't been good enough this season.

"The only thing we can do is try and get it back and every three or four days we have an opportunity to do that. But we also need consistency in no injuries and that is unfortunately part of the game, and we are dealing with that as well."

Whilst the displays on the pitch haven't quite reached their flowing best, Arne Slot has succeeded in halting Liverpool's disappointing run of results. Since drawing 3-3 with Leeds, the Reds have tightened up defensively, securing four victories and three draws during that period.

The last three encounters have all ended in draws, including a frustrating 2-2 stalemate with Fulham, where a late goal from Cody Gakpo was nullified by a spectacular strike from Harrison Reed. The most recent, a goalless draw against Arsenal, might be viewed as a more positive result, keeping the team within the top four.

With the title now seemingly beyond their grasp, unless the top three teams suffer a dramatic dip in form, Slot has made it clear that the objective this season is to secure a Champions League spot. While league ambitions remain, attention will briefly shift to cup competition.

Liverpool are preparing to host Barnsley in the third round of the FA Cup this weekend. After their encounter with the League One outfit, they'll return to Anfield to take on Burnley, before flying out to France for a Champions League face-off with Marseille.