Recently retired defender Thomas Vermaelen is on course to be part of the Belgium senior team coaching crew ahead of their two international friendly games later this month after the former Arsenal and Barcelona player was confirmed as the newest member of the Red Devils coaching staffs few weeks back.
Vermaelen was added to the Red Devils coaching crew after a spot was left open by the exit of Shaun Maloney. Ex-Scottish national team player Maloney left the Red Devils for Hibernian FC in the Scottish Premiership at the end of last yearand his position has now been taken up by the aforementioned Vermaelen.
Thomas Vermaelen made his debut for the Red Devils of Belgium during the international friendly clash with Luxembourg in 2006. His first game for the Belgian senior team ended in victory thanks to the 2-0 win at the expense of Luxembourg. His last game was the 2-1 loss to eventual winners Italy at the quarterfinal stage of the Euro 2020 tournament held across various European cities last summer. In total, Thomas Vermaelen played 85 times for his country at senior level over a 15-year period.
Vermaelen will join the Red Devils of Belgium coaching crew for the first time when they take on the Republic of Ireland in an international friendly on Saturday, March 26. The team will also face African side Burkina Faso in another international friendly three days later.
Belgium senior national team manager Roberto Martinez is delighted to have Thomas Vermaelen as part of his coaching staffs. According to him, his experience during a distinguished club and country career would be a huge asset for the team.