“I don’t feel panic.” The Liverpool captain comments on the imminent expiration of his contract with the team

Virgil van Dijk's contract, Liverpool's captain, expires at the end of the current season, but the Dutch star is not worried about his future at the present time, as his focus is more on his current physical fitness.

Van Dijk withdrew from the Dutch national team's squad for its upcoming matches in the European Nations League, after Liverpool FC stated that he was no longer in "sound physical condition" following his participation in the match in which the team won over Crystal Palace in the English Premier League last weekend.

The Netherlands is scheduled to face Greece and Germany on Friday and Monday, respectively.

While concerns about Van Dijk's fitness may worry Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola, the 35-year-old's contract also represents an important focus of discussion, especially since his current contract expires next summer.

But Van Dijk said: "I'm not in a panic at all. I want to keep playing and keep doing what I'm doing."

He added: "Let's see what this season brings. I've had a great time so far. If this situation continues, so be it, and if it doesn't, I will move somewhere else."

He added: "There is nothing to report at the moment, but this does not mean that there is any tension or anything like that."

He added: “Mentally, I am in good condition. Physically, I have been suffering from slight discomfort over the past two weeks, but I am doing my best to be present on the field.”

Van Dijk participated in all of Liverpool's matches in the English Premier League this season, and his team ranks fourth in the table, nine points behind leaders Arsenal.

He also participated in Liverpool's Champions League campaign, where he played in the two matches that ended in wins over Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, as well as in the last match that ended in a loss against Fenerbahce.

The only match that the captain missed was the one that ended in a crushing 6-3 victory over LASK.

He added: "I feel good, but it's not about me at the moment. Let's see what happens."

Liverpool's start to the season was not the smoothest; The loss against Fenerbahce came in addition to two other defeats against Arsenal and Manchester City. If we add to that three draws, we find that Liverpool is still some way behind the Gunners (Arsenal) in the English Premier League standings.

Van Dijk was quick to describe the season as a “work in progress,” as new coach Iraola’s methods need some time to take hold and bear fruit.

He added: "We could have performed much better in some of the matches we won."

He continued: "We lost some matches, but we performed well. We strive to achieve continuity, as it is the only way to success."

Liverpool will host Manchester United on November 22, and hopes that Virgil van Dijk will be ready to participate, along with Dominik Soboslaj, who is also undergoing evaluation after leaving the field during the match against Crystal Palace. Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberg is also absent due to a heel injury.