Veteran Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen, whose own goal knocked Belgium out of Euro 2024, announced his international retirement on Friday.
The 37-year-old former Tottenham player holds the Belgian record with 157 caps. He made his debut against Portugal in Euro qualifying in July 2007 and played his last match in the 1-0 loss to France in the Euros round of 16 on July 1.
“First one, last one. Thx for all the memories. I lived my dream,” Vertonghen wrote on Instagram alongside photos of him lining up before his first cap and last caps.
Euro 2024 in Germany was Vertonghen’s sixth major tournament. He scored 10 international goals.
“Thanks for everything, Jan!” wrote the Belgium Football Association on their website, adding on Instagram: “From the training ground to the pitch, you showed us what it was to be a true Red Devil. We’ll miss you, Jan.”
Vertonghen started his club career with Ajax, spent eight years at Spurs and moved to Benfica before returning to Belgium to play for Anderlecht last season.
World Cup News
-
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 months agoSaudi oil giant Aramco agrees major FIFA sponsorship deal
Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant Aramco and world football governing body FIFA on Thursday...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 4 months agoSon scores but Thailand hold South Korea in World Cup qualifier
Son Heung-min scored but South Korea were held 1-1 at home by Thailand in...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 4 months agoJapan-N. Korea World Cup game to stay in Pyongyang, JFA says
Japan’s World Cup qualifier against North Korea will be played in Pyongyang as planned...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 4 months agoGerman ex-FA bosses on trial over World Cup tax evasion
Three German ex-top football officials went on trial on Monday in a 13.7-million-euro ($14.8...
By AFP