Jan Vertonghen announces his retirement at the end of the season
The Belgian record international and captain of RSC Anderlecht will hang up his boots at the end of this season
Jan Vertonghen (37) has decided to retire as a professional football player at the end of the current season. This means that one of the most impressive careers in the history of Belgian football will soon come to an end.
“In recent weeks it has become clear to me that these will be my last games. This is by no means an easy decision, but it is the right one. I have noticed that it is becoming more and more difficult to prepare myself physically for training sessions and matches and to show myself as the player I want to be. Not only towards the fans and my fellow players, but also towards myself. That is why I will be stopping after this season’, Jan explained.
Jan Vertonghen has been playing at the top of European football for over 18 years. 220 matches for Ajax. Eight years and 315 matches for Tottenham. Two seasons with Benfica. And then in 2022, he made his final move to RSC Anderlecht. Jan Vertonghen has been our captain for almost three seasons now and has played 77 matches so far in the purple and white shirt. As he has done throughout his career, Jan has proven himself to be a true leader, an inspiration and a rock in our defense.
And then of course: no less than 157 matches for the Belgian national team. As the most capped Belgian player, Jan will go down in the history books as one of the founders of the previous, current and future generations of Red Devils.
His richly filled career will come to an end at the end of May. Until then, Jan is determined to lead the team into the decisive phase of the competition and the cup final.
“I'm going to give it my all for the last eleven games and hopefully experience a few more great moments with the fans and my team mates. I am very proud of what I have been able to experience and of what I have achieved. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me all these years from the bottom of my heart.”
Press conference
RSC Anderlecht welcomes members of the media to the press conference that will take place on Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in the Lotto Park. The press conference will also be livestreamed on MAUVE TV. No individual interviews will be allowed after the press conference.