Virgil van Dijk was challenged about his salary as he championed player welfare and the need for voices to speak out against the growing fixture list.
Since joining Liverpool in January 2018, the Dutch defender has played 229 matches at club level plus another 44 for his country.
Talking about the matter of player welfare while on duty with the Dutch national team on Thursday,
Van Dijk said:
“In England we believe that the calendars are too demanding. The players are paid well, but this should never be to the detriment of our health."
"We keep having to play more and more games. We players should start saying something, contribute to a solution."
The 32-year-old was challenged on his view, as a reporter replied asking if he would be willing to waive 10 percent of his salary in order to play less matches.
"No," the defender responded. The journalist retorted: "And for the better of your health?"
"Then yes," was van Dijk's answer. He was then met with the question: "Why was your first response 'no'?"
"Because it shouldn't depend on my salary? And all the extra competitions? The Nations League? The money of that doesn't go to my salary,"
Still not happy, the reporter queried: "You get a bonus if you win it though." And Van Dijk replied: "These bonuses are not a guarantee."
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