Leuven, Belgium – dries Mertens, the former Belgian international footballer, publicly announced his retirement from professional play at the Grote Markt in Leuven. However, in a subsequent interview with Rob TV, Mertens indicated a degree of uncertainty about his final decision, suggesting a potential openness to future opportunities.
When questioned about his retirement, Mertens admitted difficulty in definitively stating his career was over. “I honestly don’t know,” he stated.”I find it vrey difficult to say. I would rather have it out like a candle.”
Despite enjoying his newfound free time, particularly with his family, Mertens expressed a continued desire for new challenges. “I really enjoy the free time with [his cat], but I don’t know. I love adventures. If there is another adventure, then maybe,” he said.
Mertens also referenced personal considerations influencing his decision, including travel plans with his wife, Kat, and the anticipation of their second child. He noted their happiness in both Belgium and Naples, Italy, where he spent nine seasons with Serie A club Napoli.
“But I want to travel with Kat, we expect a second child… We are happy hear and in Napoli, so we’ll see,” he explained.
When pressed on whether his decision was final, Mertens responded, “Not yet,” and added, “Life is very stunning and we are enjoying it enormously.”
Dries Mertens, 36, concluded a distinguished career that included 106 appearances for the Belgian national team, scoring 21 goals. He was a key member of the Belgian squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2020. Prior to his retirement, he most recently played for Galatasaray in Turkey.
Mertens’s time at Napoli established him as a club legend, where he became their all-time leading goalscorer with 122 goals across all competitions. He joined Napoli in 2013 from PSV Eindhoven, and his departure in 2022 marked the end of an era for the Italian club.
