Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel has retired from the national side
Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel has announced his retirement from international football after representing his country for more than 15 years. The 34-year-old earned 130 caps and played a pivotal role in Belgium's third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He started in all three games during Belgium's campaign in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they failed to progress from the group stage.
On Friday, Witsel took to Instagram to make the announcement, saying, "After careful consideration, it was with great emotion that I made the decision to retire from international football. It has been a great pride to represent my country for the past 15 years. Now it is important for me to devote more time to my family and to focus on my club."
Witsel made his senior debut in March 2008 in a friendly match against Morocco, where he scored his first international goal. He played for several clubs during his career, including Standard Liege, Benfica, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Tianjin Quanjian, and Borussia Dortmund before joining Atletico Madrid in July 2022.
Witsel's decision to retire from international duty follows similar announcements from former captain Eden Hazard in December and defender Toby Alderweireld in March.
Witsel's contribution to the Belgian national team cannot be overstated. He was a vital cog in the midfield, providing stability and defensive cover for the team. His ball-winning ability and technical skills made him one of the most reliable players for Belgium.
Despite Belgium's early exit from the 2022 World Cup, Witsel's performances were commendable. His experience and leadership were valuable for the team, and his contribution will be remembered for a long time.
Witsel's retirement marks the end of an era for Belgian football. He was one of the most consistent performers for the national team and will be sorely missed. However, his decision to retire is understandable, given the toll that international football can take on a player's body and mind.
Witsel can now focus on his club career at Atletico Madrid, where he will look to add to his impressive list of accomplishments. He has won several trophies during his career, including two league titles with Zenit Saint Petersburg and a DFB-Pokal with Borussia Dortmund.
In conclusion, Axel Witsel's retirement from international football is a loss for Belgian football. He was a true professional who gave his all for the national team. However, his decision to retire is understandable, and he leaves a lasting legacy as one of Belgium's greatest midfielders.
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