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Liverpool defender Van Dijk calls for less games: But don't reduce my salary...

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been challenged by a reporter over his complaints about the football calendar.

The Holland captain has been pushing for less games, but when it was raised it would mean less money for the players, Van Dijk was left taken aback.

Van Dijk said: "In England we believe that the calendars are too demanding. The players are paid well, but this should never be to the detriment of our health.

"We keep having to play more and more games. We players should start saying something, contribute to a solution."

He was then asked if he would be willing to waive 10 percent of his salary in order to play less matches.

"No," the defender responded.

The reporter then asked: "And for the better of your health?"

"Then yes," was van Dijk's answer. He was then met with the question: "Why was your first response 'no'?"

"Because it shouldn't depend on my salary? And all the extra competitions? The Nations League? The money of that doesn't go to my salary," he said.

The journalist then stated: "You get a bonus if you win it though."

And Van Dijk replied: "These bonuses are not a guarantee."

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Paul Vegas

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