Virgil van Dijk explains post-retirement plan and verdict on punditry and coaching ambitions

Virgil van Dijk has been asked what his plans are post-retirement, with the Liverpool captain offering his verdict on the chances of him becoming a pundit or a coach

Virgil van Dijk emerges for a Liverpool training session.(Image: Nikki Dyer - Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he doesn't want to become either a coach or a pundit when he retires, though he does have a clear plan of the kind of area he wants to move into.

Van Dijk, speaking ahead of Liverpool vs Manchester City this weekend, says he wants to develop his under-13 youth tournament, called Virgil’s Legacy Trophy, and continue to inspire the next generation.

"Never say never, but I feel like I have that platform," Van Dijk told Sky Sports when he was asked about becoming a pundit. "I have that reach of saying or doing the right thing, but I don't see myself being a pundit to be absolutely honest.

"I definitely love inspiring the next generation and I love watching the academy guys.

"But I don't think I see myself being a coach because you are stepping from one world in terms of being under pressure constantly to another.

"It's not that I don't like it because it is part of what I wanted it to be, but to quit for a little bit and then go back in, but also have no control over what is going to happen on the pitch....

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.(Image: Sky Sports // YouTube)

"I really like the fact of inspiring the next generation. Like I said, I am quite a lot at the academy. Those are the guys that are eventually going to keep Liverpool up there.

"I have my own youth tournament. I want to make sure that is the biggest under-13s tournament in the world, so something with that.

"I know what it brings to those youngsters and I really like that. But let's see. There is plenty of time still."

Virgil’s Legacy Trophy includes teams like Juventus and PSG, as well as Liverpool, Southampton, Celtic and Groningen, the teams that Van Dijk has played for during his career.

Its most recent edition was played in Tilburg in the Netherlands, though it has also been hosted at Liverpool's academy. Recently, Van Dijk was spotted watching the Reds' U21s take on Leeds United in Kirkby.

Liverpool.com says: Van Dijk would make an interesting pundit and he won't be short of offers. Working with young players makes sense for him as well.

For now, though, there should still be a few years left of his playing career. Van Dijk's Liverpool contract runs until 2027 and Arne Slot hinted yesterday that he could be offered an extension. Even if not, he is likely to continue playing elsewhere.