Axel Witsel has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 37, ending a Belgium career in which he became the country’s second-most capped player. Witsel made 140 appearances for Belgium, with his final outing coming in the 2-1 defeat to eventual champions Spain in the World Cup……
Axel Witsel has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 37, ending a Belgium career in which he became the country’s second-most capped player.
Witsel made 140 appearances for Belgium, with his final outing coming in the 2-1 defeat to eventual champions Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals in July.
His international career now comes to an end after more than a decade representing the Red Devils.
“It’s time to make way for the youngsters and the new generation,” Witsel said in a social media post.
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“I never imagined achieving so much when I started out at just 18 years old.”
Witsel made his debut in 2008 and became a key player for Belgium’s ‘golden generation’, which also included Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.
They never managed to win a major tournament, coming closest at the 2018 World Cup when they lost to France in the semi-finals.
Only long-time teammate Jan Vertonghen, with 157 caps, has played more times for Belgium than Witsel.
He joined Ligue 1 club Nice in the close-season from Girona, having previously played for Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid.
