Tessa Wullaert confirms departure from Fortuna Sittard, but rules out return to Belgium: “A financial issue”

Star player Tessa Wullaert was looking forward to the Red Flames’ first European Championship qualifier match on Tuesday in Leuven against world champion Spain. The Flames’ all-time leading scorer is also in top form. Ten days ago she scored seven goals in a match for her club Fortuna Sittard. “I will continue to focus on scoring goals,” she said at the press chat in Tubize.

Wullaert also had some news to report. Her departure from Fortuna Sittard has been confirmed. The budget for the Dutch first division will drop drastically next season. “So it is a financial issue,” the attacker said. “I don’t want to say much more about it. My real estate agent is working on it. I focus on goals.” A return to Belgium is certainly not on the table.

Wullaert wanted to focus on Friday’s match against Spain. “I like their style,” she said. “They really try to bring good football. Almost all of the players play for Real Madrid or Barcelona. They know each other well and you can see that. Their game is focused on short combinations, a different approach than most top countries. We have a lot of respect for them, but not too much.”

“I don’t think much will change for us. Just like in the Nations League matches against England and the Netherlands, we will have to defend a lot,” she analyzed. “And hopefully we can hurt Spain with our speed. We have to focus on that. Perhaps a good result will follow again. Those victories in the Nations League have ensured that the bar is raised. Friday’s match is a great challenge and a good learning experience. We have to believe in it. I’m already feeling good. I want to keep scoring goals and providing assists. That’s my job.”