Van Bommel elaborates on De Winter refusal: 'This has consequences'

Van Bommel called De Winter after the AC Milan defender withdrew from Belgium's squad due to lack of playing time; the manager warned there will be long-term consequences.

Koni De Winter surprised Belgium by announcing he would no longer make himself available for the national team, citing insufficient playing time with the Rode Duivels. Manager Mark van Bommel responded by calling the 24-year-old AC Milan defender to discuss the situation.

Van Bommel explained his perspective as both a coach and former player, drawing a parallel to his own experience with Marco van Basten. He said he also spoke to De Winter "as a father," encouraging him to reflect on his decision, but ultimately respected the player's choice.

However, Van Bommel made clear there will be consequences. "There are long-term implications," he said, noting that De Winter's decision to withdraw at such a young age suggests he may not receive future call-ups. Van Bommel indicated the defender made this choice after careful consideration rather than emotion, and that he must now respect it.