Devastated ex-Spurs star Toby Alderweireld makes heartfelt promise after news
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld is in a race against time to play one final match before retiring from professional football. The 36-year-old, who currently captains Royal Antwerp, announced earlier this season that he would hang up his boots at the end of the current campaign.
However, a devastating injury during Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Standard Liege has thrown his farewell plans into doubt.
In the 85th minute of the match, Alderweireld went in for a challenge and immediately felt something wrong in his thigh.
A scan on Monday confirmed the worst: the veteran defender had torn his quadriceps muscle. Such injuries typically require up to three months of recovery, leaving Alderweireld’s chances of playing again this season in serious jeopardy. The Belgian league season concludes on May 25, with a potential play-off match scheduled for a week later, making his return before retirement highly unlikely.
Royal Antwerp released a statement addressing the injury, saying, “Recovery from such injuries often takes a considerable period of time, which unfortunately makes Toby’s appearance in the play-offs uncertain.
From today on, everything is focused on his rehabilitation. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Captain!” The news has left fans and teammates heartbroken, as Alderweireld has been a pivotal figure for the club since joining in 2022.
Alderweireld, who made 236 appearances for Tottenham during his illustrious career, took to social media to share his emotions. “I never expected this… Right now, I don’t have the words for this,” he wrote. “What I do know is that I will do everything I can to wear that beautiful shirt one more time.
To be captain of the most beautiful club in the world one more time… It will be a tough battle against time, and I know I’m not on the winning side. I want to thank everyone for the heart-warming messages and the support I’ve received. You are all fantastic!”
Despite the setback, Alderweireld’s time at Royal Antwerp has been nothing short of magical. In his first season, he helped the club win the Belgian Cup and followed it up with a dramatic 94th-minute goal to secure their first league title in 66 years.
Last season, he led Antwerp into the Champions League group stages for the first time in their history, cementing his legacy as a club legend.
As Alderweireld begins his rehabilitation, the football world rallies behind him, hoping he can defy the odds and make one final appearance on the pitch.
His determination and passion for the game are undeniable, and his contributions to both Royal Antwerp and Tottenham will be remembered for years to come. For now, the focus remains on his recovery, as fans and teammates alike hold onto the hope of seeing their captain don the Antwerp shirt one last time.