Axel Witsel Retires From International Football After 18-Year Belgium Career
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.