Jan Vertonghen has admitted that his days as a professional footballer could be numbered, remarking that he will call time on his career if he feels he cannot contribute the way he wants to for Anderlecht.
Vertonghen has had a long and distinguished career at the top level, being an extremely consistent performer for Ajax and Tottenham for a number of years.
He is undoubtedly one of the best centre-backs that Spurs have had in the Premier League era, having made 232 appearances for the club in his eight seasons in North London.
Now 36, Vertonghen is evidently at the twilight of his career but he still remains a key part of the Belgian national side and is expected to be one of their starters at the European Championship this summer.
The former Spurs man admitted that he would make a decision on his future with the Red Devils after the tournament in Germany.
He told Het Laatste Nieuws: “I will make that decision after the European Championship. My time with the national team will be shorter, but a large part of my football heart lies with the Red Devils.
“I come here every morning with a smile. It has been at least five years, since my penultimate season at Tottenham, that I felt so good about myself.”
Vertonghen is ready for retirement if needed
The experienced defender confessed that he will not overstay his welcome at Anderlecht, insisting that he will hang up his boots if he is not able to perform at the level he wants to.
Vertonghen added: “The most important question for me is: can I give Anderlecht the player that I want to be, and that Anderlecht deserves? I don’t want to become a caricature of myself. As I feel now, I would like to continue, but I cannot predict how I will feel about it.
“I don’t want to give Anderlecht my yes now and then find out after the European Championship that it won’t work anymore. But the opposite is also true.”
Spurs Web Opinion
One of the reasons that Vertonghan is still able to go strong at a decent level is that he was never overly reliant on pace or athleticism. While the centre-back is not as sharp as he once was, his street smarts and his defensive awareness have not left him, which is why he will be key to Belgium’s chances at the Euros.
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