Former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen announced that he will be retiring from football at the end of the season, having opened up on the daily pain he is suffering with and the fear of becoming dependent on painkillers. Vertonghen, 37, now plays in his native Belgium for Anderlecht after leaving Spurs in 2020.
Vertonghen held a press conference on Tuesday to confirm the news that he would be quitting the sport once Anderlecht's season comes to a close, having dealt with persistent ankle and Achilles injuries that have plagued his time at the club. He arrived in 2022 from Benfica.
“During all those months on the sidelines, I had time to reflect,” he said. “I quickly came to the conclusion that I wouldn’t be able to play a full year at the level I wanted. I constantly suffer from ankle pain, so the decision was quite easy to make.
“I’ve seen about ten specialists this year who assured me the pain would go away. But the pain is daily, and just walking up the stadium stairs hurts. I have to warm up for a very long time before I can play.
“I take painkillers and have had several injections, but I’m not a fan of that kind of shock treatment. I don’t want to be dependent on painkillers.
“I feel like I’ll still be welcome at every club I’ve played for, and that makes me proud, as does the fact that I’ve been able to discover many different countries and cultures.”
Vertonghen spent eight years in north London, amassing over 200 appearances for the club and forging a memorable partnership with compatriot Toby Alderweireld that shone brightly under Mauricio Pochettino.
He is also the most capped Belgian player of all time, playing a record 157 times for his country, including reaching third place in the 2018 World Cup.
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Spurs issued a statement thanking Vertonghen for his service after hearing of his plans, paying tribute to not only one of the club's great players but also praising his character.
"From League Cup finals in 2015 and 2021, to our highest-ever Premier League finish in 2017 to our maiden UEFA Champions League final in 2019, the Belgium international was a central player in an incredible Tottenham Hotspur side," they wrote.
"Not only was he a great player, but he was also a man that embraced the community and was keen to help the less fortunate, which saw him give up his time to support the North Enfield Foodbank on a number of occasions. He was undoubtedly a fan favourite."