Belgium Star Axel Witsel Ends International Career After 140 Caps

Axel Witsel has called time on his international career after 18 years with Belgium, bringing to a close a spell that made him the nation’s second-most capped footballer.

The 37-year-old midfielder earned his 140th and final cap when Belgium suffered a 2-1 defeat against eventual champions Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals in July.

Announcing his retirement on Wednesday, Witsel said he believed the time had come for the next generation to take responsibility for the national team.

“It’s time to make way for the youngsters and the new generation,” he said in a social media post.

Witsel also reflected on how far his career had taken him since making his Belgium debut at the age of 18.

“I never imagined achieving so much when I started out at just 18 years old.”

The midfielder first represented Belgium in 2008 before becoming a key figure in the team’s ‘golden generation’.

He played alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard as Belgium established themselves among the leading international sides, although the team failed to secure a major tournament title.

Belgium came closest to lifting a major trophy at the 2018 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals before France ended their campaign.

Witsel’s 140 appearances leave him second behind former long-time teammate Jan Vertonghen on Belgium’s all-time appearance list. Vertonghen has 157 caps.

Away from international football, Witsel recently moved to Ligue 1 club Nice from Girona during the close-season.

He has also played for Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid during his club career.

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