Sunderland defender Thomas Meunier has insisted he’s not ready to give up playing for Belgium just yet.
Walfoot report comments from the 34-year-old today following an interview with Play Sports. It seems he wants to continue on the international stage for as long as possible.
Not done with Belgium yet
The full-back could have been considering his international future after the World Cup, in which they were knocked out by Spain.
Indeed, the last few months have been peppered with international retirements, Lionel Messi’s recent announcement being the stand out one. But Meunier insists he’s not ready for that yet.
“As for me, I am still available, as I’ve said,” he said.
“I think I’m also a bit lucky because, right now, I’m doing very, very well in my position. I’m still out there performing and delivering top-level displays in the best leagues.
“And the fact that I’m always at 100% and always available reinforces my belief that I can still render good and loyal service to the nation,” he concluded.
Next generation
If he does remain with Belgium and add to his growing collection of international caps – 83 at the time of writing – he’ll be part of another new generation coming through for the Belgian national side.
He was already a part of the Golder Generation – which some think didn’t achieve what it should have – and now he’s looking to the new, younger players coming through and what they could achieve.
Indeed, the Sunderland man can see comparisons with the generations he played in.
“To me, the new generation is somewhat similar to what we saw with the emergence of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, and so on,” he added.
“It is a high-quality group. There are already quite a few players featuring for top clubs. We might not have a ‘gem’ quite like Eden Hazard or Kevin De Bruyne just yet, but that surely won’t be long in coming.”
