Liverpool star Cody Gakpo makes big decision as Van Dijk admits “football is a side issue”

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“First of all, we sympathise with Cody and his family, Noa and their son Samuel. I have a lot of respect for how he, but also Noa and his family, have handled this.” Koeman echoed those sentiments, revealing that the Dutch coaching staff had immediately granted Gakpo total freedom to step away from the tournament camp to be with his loved ones an offer the Liverpool man respectfully declined in order to help his country on the world stage.

“What Cody, his wife and family have been told. There has never been a moment when he said, ‘I want to go back [home]’ or ‘I want to be with the family.’ He has assessed that himself and done it in his own way.

He does this in his own way with the family, and that is very strong and beautiful. We have been there as support, where we could be, just like the players.” Overcoming adversity on the World Cup stage From a purely sporting perspective, Gakpo’s decision to play on comes at a moment where he has been finding his absolute best form on the international stage.