Virgil van Dijk rules himself out of Euro 2020 | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk has ruled himself out of appearing at Euro 2020 for the Netherlands this summer.

The 29-year-old has been out of action since October when he ruptured a cruciate ligament in a collision with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

The centre-back has been back running on the training pitch for a few weeks sparking hopes that he may be able to appear for Frank de Boer’s side at this summer’s tournament, but has confirmed that he will not be available for his country.

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Van Dijk said: “I have come to a decision that I had to make: would I be involved in the Euros, yes or no?

“With everything that is going on, I feel physically it is the right decision that I’ve decided not to go to the Euros and to go into my last phase of rehab during the off-season.

“Obviously I am very gutted to miss the Euros, to miss the European Championship and leading out my own country there, but things have been like they have and I have to accept it – we all have to accept it.

“I think the decision to not go is the right decision in the grand scheme of things. It’s tough, but I’m at peace with it.”

Liverpool have suffered in the absence of their £75m defender and are currently on course to miss out on qualification for next season’s Champions League.