Jan Vertonghen Announces Retirement from Football at the End of the Season
Belgian Jan Vertonghen, captain of Anderlecht, announced his retirement from football at the end of the current season, bringing an end to his long professional career.
In a video published by the Anderlecht club's website, Vertonghen, who will turn 38 next month, said: "In the past few weeks, I realized that these are my last matches in football. The decision was not easy, but it is the right choice."
He added: "It has become difficult for me to maintain my fitness in training and matches, and I made this decision for myself, my teammates, and the fans."
Vertonghen began his professional career with Ajax Amsterdam before moving to Tottenham and then Benfica, eventually joining Anderlecht in 2022. He has played only 4 matches this season with the Belgian team.
At the club level, Vertonghen has achieved numerous titles, winning the Dutch league twice with Ajax Amsterdam in 2011 and 2012, in addition to winning the KNVB Cup in 2010. He also added a Portuguese Cup title with Benfica in 2021.
On the international stage, Vertonghen is the most capped player in Belgium's history, having played 157 international matches for the Belgian national team. He was a key figure in Belgium's golden generation and contributed to winning the bronze medal at the 2018 World Cup after defeating England in the third-place match.
In a video published by the Anderlecht club's website, Vertonghen, who will turn 38 next month, said: "In the past few weeks, I realized that these are my last matches in football. The decision was not easy, but it is the right choice."
He added: "It has become difficult for me to maintain my fitness in training and matches, and I made this decision for myself, my teammates, and the fans."
Vertonghen began his professional career with Ajax Amsterdam before moving to Tottenham and then Benfica, eventually joining Anderlecht in 2022. He has played only 4 matches this season with the Belgian team.
At the club level, Vertonghen has achieved numerous titles, winning the Dutch league twice with Ajax Amsterdam in 2011 and 2012, in addition to winning the KNVB Cup in 2010. He also added a Portuguese Cup title with Benfica in 2021.
On the international stage, Vertonghen is the most capped player in Belgium's history, having played 157 international matches for the Belgian national team. He was a key figure in Belgium's golden generation and contributed to winning the bronze medal at the 2018 World Cup after defeating England in the third-place match.
