Belgium's most-capped player, Jan Vertonghen, has retired from international football.
The 37-year-old defender, who played three games for Domenico Tedesco's team at Euro 2024, stated that he didn't think of this summer's competition as his final one before Belgium's first-ever match against Slovakia.
Shortly after The Red Devils' defeat by France in the round of 16, the former Spurs center back has decided to hang up his boots on the international scene.
He posted on Instagram Friday morning, saying, "First one, last one." I appreciate all the memories; I achieved my dream."
In June 2007, Vertonghen made his senior debut for Belgium in a 2-1 loss to Portugal. He went on to play 157 games for his nation.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, 207) and Luka Modric (Croatia, 175) represented their nations more than any other players at Euro 2024.
"From the training ground to the pitch, you've shown us what it means to be a true Red Devil," the Belgian Football Association (BFA) said in response to the news on social media. Jan, we shall miss you.
Vertonghen, who scored an own goal to clinch their destiny in their last-16 loss to France, participated for the entire ninety minutes of play.
Gary Neville chastised the Anderlecht center defender for not closing down Kolo Muani more quickly.
In his post-match analysis for ITV Sport, Neville stated, "I think he will be disappointed, I mean beyond disappointed, not just the fact that it gets credited to him as an own goal."
"Belgium has their players back." They are problem-free and have encountered many circumstances similar to this during the game. It is being recycled and relocated to France. Belgium is probably in the same form as they have been throughout the match. Nothing much is going on. They then pick up the pace, which plays into Griezmann's hands as he flicks it wide, putting you in trouble.
"Vertonghen needs to change positions as the ball returns. Kolo Muani needs to accomplish something noteworthy. He has a worn turn. Although there have been much better turns than this one, Vertonghen needs to shift up when it is replayed, which makes it challenging because he is so near."
Neville continued, saying, "If you are off by one or two yards, that isn't unfortunate; it falls into the category of bad defending, and he knows that because that player is experienced."
Kevin De Bruyne, a defender for Manchester City, has also been connected to an international retirement; however, he stated it was too soon to speculate about his future.
After the 1-0 loss to France, he told reporters, "It's too early to answer." "Allow me to mourn this loss. The season has been incredibly long. My body needs to rest. I'll decide until the summer is over."
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