"Hopefully we can convince Jan to continue"

INTERVIEWS Jan Vertonghen does not want to tie the knot until after the winter, but if it depends on Brian Riemer, the Anderlecht captain will continue playing soccer after this season. "Together with Jesper Fredberg, I will do everything to convince him to continue for one or two more years," the coach told his press chat.

"I hope we succeed in convincing him to continue his career one more time," Riemer said. "He already had a wonderful career. What he achieved, 99.9 percent of all soccer players can only dream of. He played the final of the Champions League, played more than a decade in the best league in the world, won titles. Even now he is still doing tremendously well. He is an important figure for us."

"Crucial pawn in our team"
"I don't see in Jan someone who is at the end of his career. He is one of the most motivated players. Every practice and every game. We have a scoreboard where we keep track of who wins the most games at training: Jan is number one there. That says everything about his character. He wants to win everything, no matter what it is. He is so hungry to bring success to the club and perform every weekend."

"Jan is a crucial pawn in our team. I will do everything in my power to convince him along with Jesper to continue for one or two more years. Of course, he also has to discuss this with his wife. We'll see what the future brings."

"Ankle is no longer a problem"
The ankle injury that caused some concern a few weeks ago is now completely a thing of the past. "Jan is completely fit," Riemer said. "By the way, I have to say that the Belgian national team and national coach Tedesco handled it very professionally. We all want the same thing: a fit Jan Vertonghen and that for a long time. So that he can go to the European Championship for Belgium and finish the season for us."

"Jan had a small problem with his ankle after that tackle against Cercle. The reason he was substituted was because it was possible. Not because there was a problem. Now he is fully fit. There is no problem anymore. I am happy, though, that the national coach granted our wishes and didn't overload him during the international break."

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