Van Bommel threatens De Winter with long-term consequences after rejecting Belgium call-up

Belgium manager Mark van Bommel has excluded AC Milan defender Koni De Winter from the squad for the matches against Türkiye and Italy in the UEFA Nations League, explaining that the decision was made at the player's own request.

De Winter, aged 24, has chosen to miss out on international duty just days after welcoming his newborn, despite being called up to participate in the matches.

Van Bommel said during the press conference: "He made the decision himself. I spoke to him and explained the situation from my perspective as a coach, a former player, and a father, and in the end, he made that decision, and I cannot change it."

He added: "It's not about him not participating last time, but I have to accept his decision, though it will have long-term consequences."

Belgium's coach concluded his remarks by saying: "He is 24 years old, so he is making this decision relatively early in his career."