Virgil van Dijk, a Liverpool stalwart, has solidified his status as one of the most exceptional center-backs in the history of the game. He has established himself as one of the most exceptional defenders in the history of the Premier League during his tenure in England, and he has been instrumental in the Reds’ triumphs under Jurgen Klopp.
The Dutchman possesses an extraordinary array of attributes that render him an exceptional player, including a commanding presence in the air, an exceptional understanding of the game, and an exceptional passing range. He possesses everything. However, the name that appears on the back of his clothing is one of the most noteworthy aspects of him.
Van Dijk has never worn his surname on his shirts during his career, as is customary for most footballers. Instead, his first name is inscribed on the back. Additionally, the reason for his decision to bear the name “Virgil” on his back for both club and country is rooted in a tragic event that transpired during his childhood.
It was Van Dijk’s relationship with his father that ultimately influenced his decision.
In 2018, the uncle of the Netherlands commander addressed the matter.
The 32-year-old has never disclosed the reason publicly, opting to conduct his discourse on the field. Nevertheless, Van Dijk’s uncle, Steven Fo Sieeuw, has suggested that he has made this decision as a result of a protracted dispute with his father, which dates back to the time when he was 12.
In 2018, Fo Sieeuw disclosed to The Sun that Van Dijk’s father abandoned his family while the future footballer was still a minor, resulting in a deterioration of their relationship. He stated that his father parted ways with his mother and his three children, which included Virgil. The reality is that his father was absent for an extended period of time, and his mother is the true hero of this narrative.
Van Dijk’s uncle was instrumental in his nephew’s ascent to the top of the football world by accompanying him to youth training and matches. However, he maintains that his mother merits the greatest amount of credit. He emphasized that Van Dijk’s success was a direct result of the labor she performed to support the family in her husband’s absence.
“She never had a moment to herself, as she had a full-time job and three children to care for.” Every day, she commuted to work, returned home, and then took care of the children and prepared all of the meals.
“Ron [Van Dijk] is a kind individual; however, in order to be an effective father, one must possess qualities that surpass mere kindness.” It is imperative that you are present for your offspring. Ron remarried, but his new wife was extremely domineering, resulting in him spending minimal time with his children.
Past Statements by Van Dijk Regarding His Father’s Relationship
Defender’s siblings also distanced themselves from him.
Ultimately, the duo became estranged as a result of Van Dijk’s father’s decision to depart from his family. Van Dijk previously stated in an interview with Dutch journalist Jan Mennega in 2011, as reported by The Sun, that he is amenable to conversing with his father at a later date. Nevertheless, he was not prepared to engage in conversation with him at that time.
In the interview, he stated, “Initially, I resided with his father; however, I ultimately returned to my mother.”
“My sister and brother were already residing with her at that time.” Subsequently, I severed all communication with my father. Initially, it was unkind; however, I no longer require his assistance. My father attempted to reestablish communication with me; however, I am unwilling to meet with him.
However, he is not the sole member of his family who has chosen to separate himself from his surname. In the same interview with Mennega, he disclosed that both of Van Dijk’s siblings, his brother Jordan and his sister Jennifer, had abandoned the Van Dijk surname in favor of their mother’s maiden name, Fo Sieeuw.
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