Toby Alderweireld Faces Career Threat After Injury Sparks Retirement Concerns

Toby Alderweireld (36, Royal Antwerp) faces a heartbreaking retirement crisis. He is leaving the field earlier than planned after an injury ended his season.

The Tottenham fan community "Spurs Web" reported on the 21st (Korean time) that "the sad news about Alderweireld has been communicated. He has sustained a serious injury, and it is uncertain if he can return to playing again."

The media noted that "many loyal players played a key role during the exciting period when Tottenham fought for trophies. Alderweireld was one of them. He appeared in 236 matches over 6 seasons with Tottenham. After leaving Tottenham, he has been playing for his hometown club, Antwerp."

Additionally, Spurs Web added, "36-year-old Alderweireld announced that he would retire from football this summer due to health concerns earlier in the season. However, just as he seemed to accept his fate, disaster struck."

Alderweireld started in the match against Standard Liege on the 16th. An incident occurred late in the game. He felt an issue with his thigh while attempting to compete with an opponent.

Examination results indicated a quadriceps tear. It is a serious injury that typically takes 4 to 6 months to recover from. Considering his age, it is likely he will miss the rest of the season.

Antwerp FC announced, "Alderweireld left the field due to injury at the end of the match against Standard. He has torn his quadriceps. Such injuries take considerable time to recover. Unfortunately, it is uncertain whether he can participate in the playoffs. From today, all focus will be on rehabilitation," adding, "Wishing for a speedy recovery. Our captain!"

Even more regrettably, Alderweireld announced his retirement from professional football at the end of this season last November. He felt abnormal symptoms in his heart after losing in the cup final last season. Fortunately, the hospital diagnosis showed no problems, but he felt it was time to end his playing career for his health and family due to stress from football.

Alderweireld's contract with Antwerp is set to expire in June. He was determined to give everything while wearing the uniform of his hometown club until the end, but that has been complicated by injury.

Alderweireld is one of the defenders who will be remembered in history at Tottenham. He joined Tottenham in 2015 after leaving Atletico Madrid, forming a center-back duo with his Belgian national teammate Jan Vertonghen. He was selected for the PFA Team of the Year and Tottenham Player of the Year in the 2015-2016 season for his precise long passes and solid defensive skills.

Alderweireld was also a teammate of Son Heung-min. Both transferred to Tottenham in 2015, and they shared meals for 6 years until Alderweireld left for Qatari club Al-Duhail in 2021. Although they did not lift a trophy, he was one of the key figures who led Tottenham's golden era.

After concluding his time in Qatar, Alderweireld headed to his home country of Belgium in 2022 and joined Antwerp. While he faces the prospect of ending his career with injury, he is determined to say a final goodbye to fans on the pitch, no matter what.

Alderweireld remarked, "I didn't expect this. I have no words right now. I will do everything to wear this beautiful uniform one more time. To become the captain of the most beautiful club in the world once again," adding, "It will be a matter of time and a tough fight. I know I'm not one to win. I appreciate all the warm messages and support."

Spurs Web, witnessing the end of an era, expressed, "It is shocking that Tottenham's favorite player is facing such setbacks in the latter part of his career. No player should have to end like this, especially one who has given so much to the game."

The media also stated, "We hope for Alderweireld's quick recovery. We sincerely hope he can have one last opportunity to step onto the field before his retirement," adding, "Alderweireld is a defender that fans will never forget. He was a fantastic defender, boasting a solid partnership with Vertonghen. His contributions to Tottenham have been immense, and he will always be remembered."

Tottenham fans also said, "He is a great player and a Tottenham legend. Toby will always be in my heart," "Perhaps this was meant to be. Considering his heart problems, it could have prevented something worse. I hope he spends a long time with his family," "It's so sad. I wish Toby a speedy recovery and good health. He was a great player for us."

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