BRUSSELS (AP) — Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will lead a rejuvenated Belgium side including a once-retired Alex Witsel at the European Championship next month.
De Bruyne and Witsel were on the 25-man list unveiled by coach Domenico Tedesco on Tuesday. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, preparing for the Champions League final, was not.
Defender Maxim De Cuyper, who won the Belgian league with Club Brugge last weekend, was the only newcomer.
De Bruyne and Witsel are remaining members of the so-called golden generation of Belgian players. While De Bruyne’s presence was expected, Witsel’s was a surprise after Tedesco dropped him from his first squad last year. Witsel soon after announced his retirement from international soccer and did not play in qualifying.
But Tedesco said Witsel’s recent excellent showings with Atletico Madrid convinced him the 35-year-old midfielder was the right choice. Tedesco also traveled to Spain to meet Witsel and discuss a comeback. There was no hard feelings, the coach said, and Witsel immediately agreed to return.
Related articles:
Related suggestion:
Xi: Accelerate upgrading of industriesState Council stresses work on flood relief, rebuildingNick Lodolo makes a successful return for the Cincinnati RedsPreserving worldNick Lodolo stars in return as the Reds beat the lightU.S. democracy summit a show of its arrogance: African expertHamas says UNSC resolution demanding Gaza truce shows Israel's isolationXi hails Xiong'an as 'city of future'Xi sends congratulatory letter to General Assembly of Alliance for Cultural Heritage in AsiaNick Lodolo makes a successful return for the Cincinnati Reds
0.2743s , 6497.3671875 kb
Copyright © 2024 Powered by De Bruyne to lead Belgium at Euro 2024 with unretired Witsel ,International Image news portal