Jan Vertonghen will hang up his boots at the end of this season. After nearly 20 years at the top, the record international and captain of the Mauves is ending his playing career. “I’ve played for great clubs and had the chance to discover different countries, people, and cultures,” Jan reflected gratefully on his career. For his final eleven matches, he has only one wish: “to experience some beautiful moments with the fans and my teammates, and hopefully still play a role on the pitch.” Watch Jan’s press conference now on Mauve TV.
“I’ve known for a long time that I would stop at the end of this season,” Jan Vertonghen opened his press conference. The record international didn’t make this decision lightly. “During the months I was injured, I had a lot of time to think. It became clear to me that I could no longer play another year at the level I wanted to achieve. The constant pain in both my ankles and Achilles tendons made that impossible.” Continuing for another year was never an option for Jan.
“With some injuries, you feel improvement, but after New Year, I realized that wouldn’t happen anymore.” The defender had open conversations with the coach and medical staff and set himself medium-term goals. “The goal was to be ready for the Champions’ Play-offs. Against Cercle, I was able to feel where I stand, and it felt okay, but playing eleven matches in a row is no longer possible. I need time to recover after a match. My only wish is to say goodbye on the pitch, but RSCA’s ambitions obviously come before my personal ones.”
Last summer, Jan decided to extend his stay at Anderlecht for one more year. “At that moment, when I told my family I would continue, my son started crying. He wanted me to be home more. Now that I’ve told him I’m stopping, he cried again,” laughed the defender, who has no regrets about his decision. “I’ve experienced some beautiful moments this season that I’ve truly enjoyed—and I still am.” Our captain hopes to end his career on a high at RSCA. “We’re playing the cup final, but we also need to prove ourselves in the play-offs.”
Jan is not solely focused on the cup final. “I take it one match at a time, and the next challenge is our trip to Club Brugge.” And what about life after football? “I hope I’ll be able to play football in the park with my sons and dance with my daughter. There are so many things I haven’t been able to do over the years, but now I’ll finally have the freedom to enjoy them. My summer holiday is already almost fully booked.” But first, there are still eleven crucial matches that Jan has marked on his calendar. “We have the chance to achieve something truly special with this group. And the role I envision for myself is on the pitch.”
Rewatch Jan’s full press conference now on Mauve TV.