Q&AWhy 'Planet Earth' is Virgil van Dijk's go-to viewing for away games

In a light-hearted new Q&A with TNT Sports, the Netherlands defender revealed he is an avid watcher of the television programme Planet Earth when travelling with the Reds.

“Watching TV shows, watching Planet Earth,” Van Dijk said when asked about how he passes the time en route.

“That’s a funny one, isn’t it? But it makes me very calm and it’s beautiful, it’s narrated by David Attenborough. It makes you very relaxed.”

Read on for some of the other highlights from the feature…

Who is your best friend in football?

I have quite a lot of friends in football but I think the closest I am at the moment are Joe Gomez – we have been through everything together here at the club, highs and lows, and we are very close to each other – and the other one I would say is Nathan Ake. We became good friends over the years and our families are close to each other as well. So, those two guys.

What is your phone wallpaper right now?

My phone wallpaper is a picture of all of my kids together that I actually took myself on holiday.

What’s a football moment you still think about?

My professional debut in Holland, how much it meant to me and my family. That day I will never forget and still think about. It also makes you appreciate what you have at this point as well.

Who is your football idol?

My football idol is Ronaldinho, he was the one I looked up to when I was younger. The flair he brought on the pitch, the smile, the quality, the goals. We have been in a commercial together but we did it separately. He gave me a shirt, by the way, a signed shirt, so that was nice.

Outside football, what is your favourite sport?

Basketball. I like watching the NBA, obviously not during the season as much because the games are quite late [but] in the off-season when the play-offs are on, and definitely watch also the highlights and stuff. I really like watching it.

What is your proudest moment?

Being a father and husband for my wife and kids. That’s the most proud moment in my life and still is.

If you could relive one day from your career, what would it be?

Winning the Champions League, the emotion when the final whistle went was incredible.

How often do you get your hair cut?

Every couple of months, just a little bit. And I do shape-ups every couple of weeks just to keep on top of it. But actual cutting of my hair doesn’t happen many times.

What is the best thing about being a footballer?

Obviously first and foremost, we do what we love. What I definitely dreamed of when I was younger. To be there, to actually stand there, coming out of the tunnel being the captain of this football club, it’s an incredible feeling and I think that’s what makes it beautiful. Secondly, to inspire so many other kids to have that stage gives [you] an incredible feeling. I really enjoy that.