Former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen openly spoke about the concussion he sustained two seasons ago after a head clash with Toby Alderweireld.
On April 2019, Jan Vertonghen suffered a horrific head injury after a mid-air collision with his Tottenham teammate Toby Alderweireld. The player was allowed to return to the field after being green-lighted by the Spurs’ medical staff. However, the Belgian defender had to be substituted a few minutes later after throwing up on the pitch, a clear sign of concussion.
One and a half years later, now playing for Benfica, the player confessed to hiding some serious consequences of his head injury. Speaking to Belgian news outlet Sporza, the 33-year-old defender admitted his symptoms lasted up until nine months after the clash. More importantly, he kept it a secret and decided to play through it all.
“A lot of people don’t know that, but I had a lot of problems with it: headaches and dizziness. That’s the first time I’ve said it now. I shouldn’t have played on it and I was a total fool for 9 months and therefore I could not bring what I wanted.” he told the interviewer.
“I just didn’t know what to do. It was game after game and practice after practice. Each time there was a new impact. Then came the lockdown, I was able to rest for two months and then it was better.”
Vertonghen also implied he ignored his neurological issues because he feared to be left unemployed. The player had less than a year in his contract and failed to perform in the aftermath of his concussion.
“I had only one year left on my contract, so I had to play. But when I played, I played badly. Not a lot of people knew about it, that was my own choice, it’s not a reproach to anyone,” he declared.
Vertonghen wants to end his career at Benfica.
This summer, the center-back completed a move to Benfica, signing a 3-year-contract with the Eagles. The Belgian player claimed he made his decision after the club showed confidence in him.
“I thought that was such a token of confidence and recognition. A contract for 3 years put me at ease and I wanted stability. Benfica is a big club with a beautiful stadium, a rich history and a good youth academy, Ajax of Portugal.”
“Never say never, but this is my last destination. In 3 years I will be 36, that is a blessed age for a football player. I really have to do everything I can to appear on the field normally, which demands a lot from you. Maybe I will add another year, but it is 99% certain that I will end here,” he asserted.
Moreover, he believes Benfica gives him the opportunity to win some silverware, as he didn’t win much with Tottenham.
“I played at Tottenham for 8 years, but I didn’t win many prizes. Here I play for the prizes.”
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