Van Dijk opens up on emergency operation on burst appendix 10 years ago

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has opened up on the gruelling battle he had to endure after suffering a burst appendix ten years ago.

Van Dijk, who was playing for Dutch side Groningen at the time, had to undergo an emergency operation.

Doctors told van Dijk's mother Ruby that van Dijk, who also suffered suffering peritonitis and uraemia, only managed to survive due to his extraordinary fitness levels.

As reported by The Mirror, van Dijk said: 'I looked death in the eye - and it was a terrible experience.

'For the first time in my life, football meant nothing to me. It was not important at all. This was all about trying to stay alive.

'My mother and I were both praying to God and, to be honest, we were discussing various scenarios.'

Van Dijk even signed a will to ensure that part of his money would go to his mother if he died.

He said: 'At one point, I had to sign these documents. It was a will. If I would die in hospital, part of my money would go to my mum.

'Nobody wanted to raise this issue, but it needed to be dealt with because there was a chance that I would die there and then.

'I remember lying in bed. All I could see were tubes and wires on my body.

'My body was broken. I was not capable of anything. The worst things went through my mind.'

After managing to recover, van Dijk has gone on to enjoy an impressive career that has taken him to Celtic, Southampton and now Liverpool.

The Dutch international has produced some outstanding performances this season, with Liverpool competing for the Premier League title.

Jurgen Klopp's side are currently two points clear at the top of the table, although they have played a game more than their closest challengers Manchester City.

Van Dijk was on the scoresheet as Holland commenced their EURO 2020 qualification campaign with a 4-0 victory at home to Belarus on Thursday.