Former Southampton hero Toby Alderweireld has faced a brutal injury that might force him into an early retirement soon.
If there's one name that needs no introduction in Southampton's modern history, it would be Virgil Van Dijk. Despite never winning a major trophy with the Saints, he is arguably the best defensive leader St. Mary's has ever seen.
But did you never wonder as to who he was brought in to replace at Southampton? Easy to guess, he must've been a central figure as well.
Well, it was Toby Alderweireld. Notably, the Belgian covered all the key defensive responsibilities in Koeman's Saints setup, before Van Dijk arrived in the 2015/16 season.
Surprisingly, Alderweireld's legacy at Southampton remains largely unrecognized. Maybe, due to the brief, year-long loan spell he spent here.
But while Alderweireld’s heroics are more recognized elsewhere, he and Southampton seem to share the same fate, at least for now. This is because while the Saints are doomed for relegation, Alderweireld has suffered a misfortune too.
Alderweireld may be forced to end his career due to recent injury
Recently, playing the last stages of his career at Antwerp, the ex-Saints hero suffered a long-term injury. As per Get Football News Bene, Alderweireld's reports show he has fractured his quadriceps.
What’s even more concerning? Given the speculations of his injury's extent, the defender might miss the rest of the season, post which he was firm to retire.
Simply put, if things stand as they are, Toby Alderweireld may be forced to hang up his playing boots earlier than expected.
Well, to say the least, this hits every nostalgic fan who has seen the defender represent Southampton. Maybe, some of them would've secretly hoped for his final return as well.
But, that's how Football is at times. Sometimes, turning up bright moments and other times, glooming the fans of a past memory.
If this is how it ends, so be it. Here’s to a well-earned and happy retirement for one of football’s most underrated defenders, Toby Alderweireld.