Jan Vertonghen has confirmed he is leaving Tottenham after eight years at the club.
The Belgian joined Spurs from Ajax in the summer of 2012 and has been a mainstay in the defence under four different managers, mostly playing at centre-back but sometimes filling in down the left.
His composure, intelligence and ability to bring the ball out from the back made him a fan favourite. He formed an excellent partnership with his countryman Toby Alderweireld, who has perhaps surprisingly outlasted Vertonghen as a Tottenham player.
After Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, the final game of the current season, Harry Winks and Harry Kane appeared to confirmed Vertonghen’s departure – as well as that of goalkeeper Michel Vorm – on Instagram.
And on Monday morning, Vertonghen himself posted a goodbye message to Tottenham fans on Twitter.
“So my time at the club comes to an end. A sad day for many reasons. I will miss the friends I’ve made here, the staff that make the club run, playing at the amazing new stadium and of course you fans,” he wrote, accompanying his post with a number of memorable images from his time in north London.
“Thank you for all the support over the years. You’ve been amazing. We had many unbelievable memories but for now, it’s goodbye.”
Some Tottenham supporters inevitably flooded the replies with messages of love for Vertonghen, who will clearly be missed. Check out some of the best responses below.
Thank you for all the support over the years. You’ve been amazing. We had many unbelievable memories but for now, it’s goodbye. ?#COYS pic.twitter.com/XrEjBaWb2C
— Jan Vertonghen (@JanVertonghen) July 27, 2020
Super Jan. Thank you for everything! ?? pic.twitter.com/Q7SiB2eajE
— The Spurs Web ⚪️ (@thespursweb) July 27, 2020
We love you jan, I hope to see you on our sidelines again one day, I hope we the fans can give you a proper send off when fans can come back to grounds. You’ll forever be a favorite in my heart. Peace happiness and love going on to the next chapter
— American Spurs (@AmericanSpurs) July 27, 2020
You're a hero, an inspiration, and a role model for many. Nothing lasts forever, and you've given us so much over the years. You'll remain in our hearts even when we won't see you in our jersey on the pitch!
Thank you for everything Super Yan.
?— Bren (@MrFancyPerson) July 27, 2020
This one really hurts. One of the best center backs in the Premier League gave his best playing years to us, wish as a club we'd have given him some silverware.
Thank you for everything Super Jan, and I hope you win trophies wherever you go next. ??
Nothing but love for you.
— Avtar (@AvtarRamSingh) July 27, 2020
Thank you Jan for giving us an incredible service. You have been amazing. All the best for the future, hopefully we'll see you back one day coaching the next generation.
— Matt (@mattyfspurs) July 27, 2020
Thanks so much Jan, you’ll be truly missed. You’re welcome back any time. Please come back and visit once we are back in the stadium so we can say thanks properly.
— The Spurs Compendium (@SpursCompendium) July 27, 2020
Gutted we weren’t able to give you the send off you truly deserved. One of the best & classiest defenders I’ve seen wear our shirt in over 40 years of supporting #thfc . Thank you for your service & hope to see you soon back at our club in some capacity??? #ATouchOfClass
— DiamondLights (@Sunny_THFC) July 27, 2020
Thanks for the last eight years Jan, you’ve been a part of so many incredible memories over the years. Hopefully we see you again at the club one day. ?
— Bazza ? (@TheGiologist) July 27, 2020
One of the best defenders I’ve ever seen at the club and a stalwart in one of our greatest ever teams.
Great memories of watching you play.
Proper Tottenham ??????
— Mark (@Pipey78) July 27, 2020
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Yes. This does hurt. Verts was (perhaps still is) a world class defender who was loyal to one club, our club, for nearly a decade.
At times he reminded me of the great Danny Blanchflower, but it’s a great shame that he’s left with no trophies under his belt.
Still, he’s left us with great memories, and he was part of a team, too, that played football at times which was as good as any we’ve
played since the 1960s. You’ll be a big miss, Verts. I only hope that Sanchez, Foyth etc. can step up and fill your boots.
Thank you thank you Jan! What a defender, always consistent, level headed, played with heart for so many years for spurs. You will be missed, but our memories for what you done at our club will always stay with us. What ever you do, all the best!