“He made the decision” – Van Bommel reveals De Winter rejected international call-up

By: Ben Dixon

During the next international break, AC Milan will see Koni De Winter at Milanello, with him rejecting a call-up.

De Winter has regularly been part of the Belgium set-up in recent years; however, his minutes have been few and far between, or at least they have recently. Before the World Cup, he was regularly getting minutes.

However, his last showing for the national team came in June, when he played just 23 minutes. Since then, he’s only been seen on the bench, even after being called up in the most recent international break.

He’s still clearly part of the plans for the Red Devils, and Mark van Bommel revealed that he was offered a place in the most recent international squad. Yet, the defender has rejected his place, as the former Milan man told HLN (via MilanNews).

“He made the decision himself. I spoke to him and explained the situation to him. As a coach, as a former player, and as a father. In the end, he made this decision, and I can’t do anything about it. It’s not because he didn’t play last time.

“You have to accept it, but there will also be long-term consequences. He’s 24, so it’s a decision he made very early.”

Considering his lack of minutes and the birth of his child, it’s understandable why he’s said no. The threat of being punished for saying no seems harsh in this instance.