I’ve got some sad news about a guy guaranteed to go down as one of Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time greats. Former Tottenham CB and Belgian international Jan Vertonghen, currently playing at Anderlecht in his home country, has announced that he is hanging up his boots and retiring at the end of the season.
Vertonghen, 37, is widely acknowledged to be one of the best central defenders in Tottenham’s Premier League era, and among the best in its long history. Vertonghen formed an incredible defensive partnership with his international teammate Toby Alderweireld that was considered the best defensive duo in the league. That partnership helped Tottenham make it to the brink of two Premier League titles as well as the Champions League final under Mauricio Pochettino.
A product of Ajax’s academy, Vertonghen broke through in the Eredivisie with Ajax before moving to Spurs in 2012. Since leaving Spurs in 2020, Vertonghen won the Portuguese league title with Benfica before moving home to play for Anderlecht.
Vertonghen is currently Anderlecht captain and has already retired from international duty with Belgium, but admitted that Father Time has caught up to him and it’s time to bring an end to his playing career.
“I have noticed that it is becoming more and more difficult to prepare myself physically for training sessions and matches and to show myself as the player I want to be. Not only towards the fans and my fellow players, but also towards myself. That is why I will be stopping after this season.”
I have a lot of fond memories of that era in Spurs’ history, but watching Vertonghen and Alderweireld play together was a true joy. Alderweireld might have had slightly better defensive tools, but Vertonghen made up for it with a huge heart and obvious fondness for the club and its fans.
Vertonghen has apparently been working on his coaching badges and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if he makes a move into management after season’s end. Note to Ange Postecoglou — if you have a spot open in your staff next season, I know a guy you can call.
Thanks for the memories, Super Jan. You’ll always be fully COYS.
