Mitchell Dijks has made headlines for his candid admission about his physical condition during his time at Nam Dinh FC in Vietnam. The 33-year-old defender, appearing on ESPN's Transfer Deadline Show, revealed he gained significant weight while playing in the Southeast Asian league, sparking widespread discussion across social media and sports journalism circles.
The former Ajax, Vitesse, and Fortuna Sittard left-back did not mince words when discussing his Vietnamese experience. "I was testing my fitness. But that didn't quite go well. I weighed 104 kilos. When I'm fit, I normally weigh 92 kilos. There were quite a few kilos on me," Dijks explained to presenter Milan van Dongen, who appeared skeptical of the revelation. The defender insisted he was serious, acknowledging: "I really was quite chubby."
The Reality of Lower-Intensity Football
When pressed by analyst Hans Kraay Junior about what contributed to the weight gain, Dijks pinpointed the reduced intensity of Vietnamese football as a key factor. "The intensity there is all a bit lower. But you just eat good pasta there. And then during matches you only run seven kilometres," he explained. This candid assessment highlighted the stark difference between Southeast Asian club football and European competitions, where defensive demands are typically far more rigorous.
The interview generated mixed reactions online. While some praised Dijks's honesty, critics questioned the wisdom of making such admissions while actively seeking employment. De Telegraaf reporter Jeroen Kapteijns noted the paradox: "It's honest and sincere, but whether this is the wisest interview when you're looking for a club now?"
Currently a free agent, Dijks remains open to continuing his career abroad rather than returning to the Netherlands. At 33, the veteran defender's next move will be crucial as he attempts to rebuild his professional reputation and rediscover the fitness levels that defined his earlier career in Dutch football.
