da betcris: Belgian centre-back Jan Vertonghen has announced his retirement from international football following his team's elimination from Euro 2024.
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Vertonghen own goal knocked Belgium outDefender announced international retirementVeteran is a free agent after contract endedWHAT HAPPENED?
The veteran centre-back was part of the Rode Duivels side that crashed out of the competition with a 1-0 loss to France in the last-16. It was the former Ajax and Tottenham star who scored the own goal that saw his team eliminated, and it will be his final major action for the national team.
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Vertonghen took to Instagram to announce the news, writing in a post: "First one, last one. Thx for all the memories, I lived my dream!"
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Vertonghen made 157 appearances for Belgium since making his debut in June 2007. He was part of the nation's 'golden generation' that included the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, among others. They made it to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals before beating England 2-0 in the third-place play-off. They then reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR VERTONGHEN?
The defender is currently out of contract after his contract with Anderlecht expired. The Belgian giants are eager for him to sign an extension, but he has not yet confirmed his decision.