Belgium captain Vincent Kompany says that it is likely he will retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup.
Kompany sees the World Cup in Russia as possibly his last shot at winning a trophy with the Belgium national team. Seen by many as one of the world’s strongest sides, Belgium has so far failed to win an important trophy.
Vincent Kompany has earned the role of captain at both Manchester City and the national team. However, the player has had to deal with numerous injuries in recent years. Kompany was sidelined for much of last season, making only 25 appearances for City. And when he did step back onto the field his influence was huge, with the team playing some of their best football of last year.
The defender talked about his desire to be at his best. He did admit that at the moment it is difficult to assume he will be able to play at both club and international level for a long time. Kompany revealed there is a lot of effort that goes into making sure he is fit to play.
“It’s important for me to be back in this team,” Kompany tells reporters. “I understand that there were doubts about me, but I know my level.
“I spend a lot of time – 30 minutes to an hour – doing extra exercises before or after a game and I’m lucky to play with the world’s best players, of course. All this will serve me after my career. I will not stop here.”
Kompany says that playing in the World Cup was an important incentive in getting him back in shape. “The 2018 World Cup was always a big motivation for me, especially when I was down. There’s a big chance that it will be my last season with Belgium.“
Despite the effort involved, Kompany says that he is trying to make wise decisions about his career. He assures fans that he is healthy and that hs in not frightened of a future injury.
“For me now, it’s about reintegration. I have spoken with [coach Roberto] Martinez. I knew him a little from before. If I was afraid of hurting myself, I would have already stopped my career.”
