Vertonghen quits international football

BRUSSELS: Veteran Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen, whose own goal knocked Belgium out of Euro 2024, announced his international retirement on Friday.

The 37-year-old former Tottenham player holds the Belgian record with 157 caps. He made his debut against Portugal in Euro qualifying in July 2007 and played his last match in the 1-0 loss to France in the Euros round of 16 on July 1.

"First one, last one. Thx for all the memories. I lived my dream," Vertonghen wrote on Instagram alongside photos of him lining up before his first cap and last caps. Euro 2024 in Germany was Vertonghen´s sixth major tournament. He scored 10 international goals.

"Thanks for everything, Jan!" wrote the Belgium Football Association on their website, adding on Instagram: "From the training ground to the pitch, you showed us what it was to be a true Red Devil. We´ll miss you, Jan." Vertonghen started his club career with Ajax, spent eight years at Spurs and moved to Benfica before returning to Belgium to play for Anderlecht last season.