Under Roberto Martinez he was a certainty even when there were doubts, but the arrival of Domenico Tedesco meant the end of a brilliant period with the Red Devils for Dries Mertens.
Under the new national coach, the attacker was not part of the selection once. Unlike Axel Witsel, Mertens has not yet officially announced his retirement from the national team. Because the Napoli legend is sparing with interviews, there is some uncertainty.
In Extra Time Mertens told his story for the first time.
“Does it hurt that I am not selected by Tedesco? No. I had a very nice conversation with him, which gave me a lot of respect for him. It is great that the national coach came here. And he has everything too. clearly explained.”
“Look, I also have to say: I am very happy with how things are going. Those young guys combined with the older ones: that is going well.”
However, Mertens reveals that the door is not yet completely closed for him. “I just told Tedesco: if it ever happens again, I will come (to the Devils, ed.). But I certainly understand that the young guys are more ready … and maybe even better than me (laughs) Then that is the best choice you can make.”
In the meantime, Mertens is enjoying himself in Istanbul. At Galatasaray, Napoli’s record scorer was the big hero this weekend with two goals and an assist. Last season he also won the first national title of his career at the Turkish top club.
“The best moment of my career? One of them. I think the best moment was my record at Napoli.”
But what about the end of the season? The crowd favorite’s contract with Galatasaray expires in about six months. Will Mertens – 37 years old in May – put an end to his successful career?
“It’s 50-50,” he laughs. “What if Vertonghen calls if I come to Anderlecht for another year? Not that, no. I did watch on Sunday – it was a wonderful assist from Jan.”
2023-11-27 20:30:15
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