It’s clearly not 50-50 anymore. While Dries Mertens (36) first loudly considered his football retirement, he now seems determined to continue to shine. Thanks to his current blood form at Galatasaray: “I think I will try to continue for another year,” he said at a press conference.
Due to his matches against Union and controversial karate kick, Michy Batshuayi has been the most talked about Belgian in the Turkish competition in recent weeks. But in complete silence Dries Mertens wrote perhaps the most impressive story.
The 109-time Red Devil seemed to lose the competitive battle at Galatasaray due to the enormous offensive wealth, but he fought back into the team with gusto. Even more: the attacker is now the indispensable pivot for the Turkish leader and is often decisive.
A few months ago, Mertens – who was 37 years old in May – said in Extra Time that he was considering ending his career after this season.
“It’s 50-50,” he laughed then. “What if Vertonghen calls if I come to Anderlecht for another year? Not that, no.
So no Anderlecht. But it now seems a lot more likely that Mertens will continue as a professional footballer after this season.
During an interview with the Turkish press, he stated that he wanted to add an extra chapter to his career.
“I have thought a lot in recent weeks and months,” Mertens admitted. “I’m currently having fun on the field and the coach gives me a lot of confidence. It’s actually going better than expected.”
I’m having fun, I can train with everything, I play a lot and I have no aches and pains.
“That’s why I think I’ll add another year. I’m having fun, I can train with everything, I play a lot and I don’t have any aches and pains. Then it would be stupid to stop now.”
Mertens did not comment on whether his future still lies with Galatasaray. His contract in Istanbul expires at the end of this season, but due to his current form, the Turkish bosses will undoubtedly consider a new deal.
Mertens celebrated son Ciro’s 2nd birthday this week with his teammates from Galatasaray
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