Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel has retired from international football after an 18-year career with Belgium, ending his time as the country’s second-most capped player.
The 37-year-old made his 140th and final appearance for Belgium in their 2-1 World Cup quarter-final defeat to eventual champions Spain in July.
“It’s time to make way for the youngsters and the new generation,” Witsel said in a social media post.
“I never imagined achieving so much when I started out at just 18 years old.”
Witsel Ends Belgium Career
Witsel made his Belgium debut in 2008 and became a key member of the country’s so-called ‘golden generation’, alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.
Despite their success, Belgium failed to win a major tournament, with their closest run coming at the 2018 World Cup, where they lost 1-0 to France in the semi-finals.
Only former teammate Jan Vertonghen, with 157 appearances, has earned more caps for Belgium than Witsel.
At club level, Witsel recently joined Ligue 1 side Nice from Girona. He has also played for Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid.
