Vertonghen equalled his country’s appearance record on Saturday evening (Picture: Getty)
Vertonghen equalled his country’s appearance record on Saturday evening (Picture: Getty)

Jan Vertonghen refused Belgium captain Eden Hazard’s offer to wear the skipper’s armband in his record-equalling appearance against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday evening.

The Tottenham defender won his 96th cap for the Red Devils in Sarajevo, drawing level with legendary attacking midfielder Jan Ceulemans, who set the current cap record way back in 1991.

To make the day extra special, Belgium skipper Hazard asked Vertonghen to take on captain duties for the World Cup qualifier, but the Spurs man surprisingly declined the invitation.

Vertonghen scored the third of his side’s goals on his milestone appearance (Picture: Reuters)

Speaking to reporters after recording the milestone, Vertonghen revealed the classy gesture but felt it would be inappropriate to wear the armband.

‘I’ve thanked Eden, but he’s our captain,’ the 30-year-old said after the match.

Hazard somewhat surprisingly started, and wore the armband as usual (Picture: AP)

Vertonghen played a crucial role in the 4-3 victory, scoring the goal that put Belgium 3-2 ahead on the night.

Bosnia made a game of it though, pulling the scores level once again before Yannick Carrasco broke the home side’s hearts with a late goal that has put their hopes of reaching the World Cup play-offs in doubt.

Vertonghen can become his nation’s outright most-capped player when Roberto Martinez’s side host Cyprus on Tuesday.

He took to Twitter after the match to explain his pride in reaching 96 caps for his country: ‘So proud to equal the [Belgium] appearance record. Even better with a win and a goal!’

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