You guys, something’s wrong with Jan Vertonghen! I think he’s sad. Two stories came out today about SuperJan that make my lower lip quiver and my eyes all misty.
First, there was a story in Belgian sports magazine Sport/Foot this week that contains quotes from Jan suggesting that he doesn’t have very many friends at Tottenham Hotspur. The magazine article isn’t online anywhere, but SportWitness has a photo of the article and the appropriate translated quotes.
“In more than 10 years, I’ve formed three real friendships. Mousa Dembélé, for example. We’ve known each other since we were 12, our wives are from Amsterdam, he lives in London and we both have a kid.
“I get along well with at least 10 guys at Tottenham, but if I were to leave tomorrow, I’d get a text and that’s it. Just like at Ajax. It’s mostly at school that you make friends.”
Holy crap! That’s cold. Who wouldn’t give Jan a proper goodbye? He’s been a faithful servant to the club, and allegations of “bad body language” aside, there have been very few indications that he’s unhappy with life in North London. (Except for when he has to play left back, but that’s a different story.) Thank goodness for Moose, who is proving again just how indispensable he is to Tottenham Hotspur by keeping our friendless, depressed elite center back from collapsing into a puddle of despair, probably.
But that’s not all. The Evening Standard has a quote from Jan Vertonghen’s mom — yes, the mom that dropped him off at practice last season — who says that Jan is homesick and wants to come back to Belgium.
“Jan is starting to miss home. I see him coming back soon — we will see. Home could also mean Amsterdam. His girlfriend is from there.”
OH MY GOSH. This calls for drastic action. Does anyone have Jan’s address? Can we send him some flowers, or a kiss-o-gram? Maybe an expansion to Settlers of Catan?
If you see Jan Vertonghen on the street this week in London, give him a big ol’ hug and tell him that we love him and everything’s going to be okay. I’m worried.