Tottenham Hotspur star Jan Vertonghen reflects on Marouane Fellaini dropping out of Belgium squad.
Marouane Fellaini declared last week he has retired from international football.
He was part of the Belgium squad which reached the semi-final of the World Cup.
Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen in Belgium’s record cap holder and he has been reflecting on Fellaini’s international retirement being a sad moment.
He told Nieuwsblad he regrets that another cornerstone of his generation has called it quits.
His ex-Tottenham teammate Mousa Dembele was missing from the squad due to injury.
Vertonghen said: “Only one has dropped out and that is Marouane. Which is a shame because he was very appreciated and has proven that value on several occasions, including at both World Cups.
“I and my peers with me cannot deny that the many competitions, the age and the impact of the competitions take their toll. Vincent [Kompany], Axel [Witsel] and Mousa are not included.
“That’s too bad. But I’m glad the others didn’t cancel. I hope they don’t drop out, or certainly not for the European Championship.”
Despite Vertonghen’s concerns, Belgium got their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign off to a good start.
Belgium beat World Cup quarter-finalists Russia 3-1 last night, with Youri Tielemans netting and Eden Hazard scoring twice.
Tielemans in particular benefitted from Fellaini, Witsel and Dembele’s absence, and while Belgium have the axis of Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld in defence, they will remain difficult to break down, as Tottenham can attest.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
