Charles De Ketelaere has been called up for the national team for the first time. The young boy of Club Brugge has been well received by the Red Devils. “Everyone is very friendly,” says 19-year-old De Ketelaere.
What is it like as a youngster suddenly among all those big names? “There are a lot of players that I have been looking up to for a long time. I am a bit impressed. It is nice to be able to train with them now. That is a reward for my hard work”, it sounds.
“I have been very well received here. Everyone is very friendly. I just try to be myself here and do my best. I don’t know if everyone is watching Club Brugge, but I think they know my name.”
It is the tradition for newcomers to sing a song at the Red Devils. “I’ve already thought about that,” laughs De Ketelaere. “It gives me a bit of stress.”
I’ve also been sitting on the couch a bit, so I’m not tired. I don’t need to rest.
What does De Ketelaere think of the busy schedule? “I’m not complaining about it. As a football player you live for moments like that. I’ve also been sitting on the couch a bit, so I’m not tired. I don’t need any rest. These matches are a moment for me to show myself. . “
“Last time the youngsters got playing minutes, so I hope I can play a bit now. The system is the same as with the U21, I know that.”
It all went quickly for De Ketelaere. “I was still a ball boy with the Red Devils when they played against Slovakia in Bruges (in 2013, ed.). When Belgium took bronze at the World Cup, I was watching the big screen in Bruges. And now I am the Red Devil myself. I am proud of it. “
