”It was an honor”, ​​“We are sorry”, “Thank you”, “We will come back”: one by one the Red Devils come out of the silence

For the majority, the Red Devils have returned to Belgium after the premature elimination in the group stage in the Qatar World Cup. They arrived on Belgian soil this Saturday morning.

Before returning to the field to continue the season with their club, they take a few days with their family. To rest, to take defeat, and to think about their future for some. Doubts still hang over the intentions of some players to continue the adventure with the national team. As a result, football fans are scrutinizing the social networks of internationals.

”If there is a player not to blame, it is him”, “These images will haunt him”: the Belgian press not unanimous after the elimination of the Red Devils

One by one, our Red Devils take the floor. They thank the supporters, they salute their former coach and share their disappointment. Despite the sadness, there is optimism and many eyes are already on the future and Euro 2024. “When it’s the end of something, it’s the start of something else. The next generation is there and you have to have confidence in the new generation”, announced lucidly, Thorgan Hazard just after the match against Croatia.

The Devils’ n°1 goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, addressed a word to all the supporters. “A day later our elimination still hurts and it will take time for that feeling to go away. I would like to thank my teammates and especially Robert Martinez, for all this time spent together. We are sorry for the fans, who are always with us. We can only promise you that we will find all our energy to try again. Thank you for your support,” wrote the Real goalkeeper.

Axel Witsel, another taulier of the golden generation, had “difficult to find the words in this difficult moment”. “I want to thank all the fans in Qatar and at home who have supported us. Thanks to the coach for everything you have given us over the past 6 years, I wish you the best. Over time we can start to focus on the future, better days will come for Belgium”announces the defensive midfielder.

Michy Batshuayi also had words full of respect for his former coach. “It’s a big disappointment to see our adventure come to an end so soon. We are sorry. But I know that this team and our players want to show their true colors very soon. I would also like to send a special thank you to Roberto Martinez for the special moments, for all the advice, on and off the pitch. I shared a large part of my international career with you and I will never forget it. Good luck for the future. Go Red Devils!”

Arthur Theate did not play at this World Cup but he took advantage of his first experience to share the ball with the greatest Belgian players of recent years. “Disappointed that our adventure ends here, but what an experience, it was an honor to be part of this group”, shared the Rennes player. Same impression for his sidekick in the club, Jeremy Doku: “We are obviously very disappointed, but I am grateful to have been able to live this experience and we will learn the lessons. The coach is the one who believed in me and who gave me the chance to play for the Red Devils when I was only 18 years old. I thank him for everything he has done for me. We will return”

Eden Hazard takes time to reflect. It is not yet known whether he will continue with the national team or not. After his intense 45 minutes against Croatia, Romelu Lukaku has yet to speak either.