Atletico Madrid star tempted out of international retirement for Euro 2024

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Football Espana

·24 May 2024

Atletico Madrid star tempted out of international retirement for Euro 2024

Belgium want Atletico Madrid star Axel Witsel to end his international retirement ahead of Euro 2024.

The 35-year-old has found a new lease of life since joining Los Rojiblancos in 2022 as part of a switch from defensive midfield to centre back.

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Witsel triggered an automatic contract extension in Madrid last summer and that pattern is expected to continue ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

A key aspect of Witsel’s ability to prolong his career in the Spanish capital has been based on his decision to step down from Belgium duty in 12 months ago.

With 130 international caps to his name, Witsel is second on Belgium’s all-time appearance maker list, and he could add to it next month.

As per reports from Belgian outlet HLN, head coach Domenico Tedesco will name Witsel in his preliminary squad, in a bid to bring him back into the international fold.

Real Madrid goal keeper Thibaut Courtois is unlikely to be included after rejecting Tedesco’s remarks over making himself unavailable for selection.