Virgil van Dijk: We are back where we belong, it means a lot to the people

The Liverpool defender was jubilant after his side sealed qualification for the European Championship next year.

After six years of exile, The Netherlands are back in a major international tournament, the UEFA Euro 2020. The Dutch ensured qualification for the tournament following their draw against Northern Ireland in Amsterdam. Skipper Virgil van Dijk spoke after the victory saying Netherlands are 'back where they belong.'

Virgil van Dijk has been a consistent performer for the Dutchmen in the recent years. Partnering with Matthijs De Ligt, the duo has formed an impenetrable defence for Ronald Koeman's side. With the defence in place, Netherlands look to have bounced back strong after failing to qualify for Euro in 2016 and FIFA World Cup in 2018.

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In the ongoing qualifiers, they are unbeaten in the last five games, brushing shoulders with table-topper Germany. The draw against the Irish came rather as a surprise result considering their form but Virgil van Dijk was jubilant nevertheless.

"I’m very delighted that we are back at the Euros, back where we belong I think. It means a lot to the people,"he said, as per Reuters.

The tournament is being scheduled to play across 12 venues in Europe and interestingly Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam is amongst the rumoured stadiums. The officials will announce the draws for the venues on November 20. Virgil van Dijk was naturally excited with the news of playing the group stage games at home.

"I’ve heard we’re going to probably play all our group games in Amsterdam, it will be massive," he says.

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"It was a big thing for us to miss those tournaments, it was tough. We have missed two, maybe we have to get used to it again."

"We know we can improve, can do a lot better in certain aspects of the game," van Dijk went on. "But you know, we qualified after missing two tournaments, so we have to enjoy it," he concluded.

Unfortunately, the Liverpool defender will miss the upcoming final clash against Estonia, citing personal reasons.