O volante Axel Witsel, do Atletico Madridannounced, this Friday (12), his retirement from belgian selectionafter 15 years and 130 games with the ‘Red Devils’.
“After careful reflection, with great emotion I have taken the decision to retire from the national team,” Witsel, 34, announced on social media.
After careful consideration, it is with great emotion that I made the decision to retire from international football. It was a great pride to have been able to represent my country during these last 15 years… (1/3) pic.twitter.com/IqNr2aaZKq
— Axel Witsel (@axelwitsel28) May 12, 2023
The midfielder, who disputed the world Cups of 2014, 2018 and 2022, in addition to the Euro 2016 and 2020, he is the second player who most wore the shirt of Belgium, behind only defender Jan Vertonghen (147 games).
On the FIFA date in March, he was not called up by coach Domenico Tedesco for the game against Sweden, at the start of the qualifiers for the eurocup of 2024.
Tedesco took over the team in February this year with the mission of renewing the squad, and in this last call-up, he left out ten players who were in the World Cup in Qatar, at the end of last year.
“Now it’s important for me to dedicate more time to my family and focus on my club,” added Witsel, who in mid-2022 switched Borussia Dortmund for Atlético de Madrid, after four seasons in the German team.
“Thank you to all my coaches, my teammates and the medical team. Thanks to you fans for accompanying me during my 130 call-ups”, concluded the player.
15 magnificent years, 130 caps, 5 tournaments and 12 goals. 🖤💛❤️ #MerciAxel pic.twitter.com/S0a9XvKQ2G
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) May 12, 2023
Source: Gazetaesportiva
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
