Virgil van Dijk has made a 'significant donation' to the Dutch Deaf national team to help them raise the required funds to take part in the 'Deaflympics' in May.

The 30-year-old has now supported the team financially, with his contribution reportedly helping the side raise half of the required funds to attend the tournament. The Deaflympics first began in Paris 1924 and are held at four-year intervals, with this year's offering set to take place in Brazil.

The Dutch team were told they need to raise around €90,000 to attend the Deaflympics in May and van Dijk was eager to help them reach that target – with Liverpool's centre half also signing and donating the shirt he wore against Chelsea in Sunday's Carabao Cup victory to help reach their goal.

When asked about why he decided to help, van Dijk told the De Telegraaf: 'I have discussed this with my family and we would like to help. That's why we support these guys, who have done a great job moving from 21st to 7th place in the world ranking. I admire the way these guys practice their sport.'

Salute to Virgil for stepping in and providing the funds that other governing bodies should have provided – we hope to see the Dutch Deaf national team at the Deaflympics later this year.