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Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel has retired from international football after an 18-year career with the national team.
The 37-year-old announced his decision on Wednesday, ending a spell in which he became Belgium’s second-most capped player with 140 appearances.
Witsel made his Belgium debut in 2008 and played his final international match in the team’s 2-1 defeat to eventual champions Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals in July.
He said he had decided to step aside to give younger players and the next generation an opportunity to take over.
Witsel also reflected on his career, saying he had not expected to achieve so much when he began playing for Belgium at 18.
“It’s time to make way for the youngsters and the new generation,” Witsel said.
“I never imagined achieving so much when I started out at just 18 years old.”
He became a key member of Belgium’s “golden generation”, alongside players including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.
The team did not win a major international tournament, with its closest attempt coming at the 2018 World Cup, where Belgium lost to France in the semi-finals.
Only Witsel’s long-time teammate Jan Vertonghen has made more appearances for Belgium, with 157 caps.
At club level, Witsel joined Ligue 1 side Nice during the close season from Girona, having previously played for Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid.
