Koni De Winter has rejected a call-up to Belgium for Nations League matches against Turkey and Italy. Belgium will face Turkey on 12 November and Italy on 15 November.
Van Bommel on De Winter's decision
Mark van Bommel said: "Koni De Winter is absent because he didn't feel comfortable in his situation and decided not to come. It's his choice, I can't do anything about it"
Van Bommel, the former Milan man, told HLN via MilanNews: "He made the decision himself. I spoke to him and explained the situation, as a coach, as a former player, and as a father. In the end, he made this decision, and I can’t do anything about it. It’s not because he didn’t play last time."
Long-term consequences
Van Bommel said: "You have to accept it, but it has long-term consequences. He's 24 and he's a responsible person."
De Winter's Belgium appearances
Calciomercato.com reported that De Winter had not played a single minute in Belgium's four group games so far, against Italy, France and Turkey.
De Winter's last showing for Belgium came in June, when he played 23 minutes. He has eight caps for Belgium.
De Winter's Milan season
De Winter joined Milan from Genoa in the summer of 2025 for around €20 million. He made 26 appearances in his first season for Milan and scored once.
Under Ruben Amorim, De Winter has established himself as a first-choice centre-back ahead of the injured Matteo Gabbia. He has made 10 Serie A appearances and four Europa League appearances this season.
De Winter struggled in Milan's 2-0 home defeat to Ferencvaros. Milan team-mate Diego Moreira has been called up by Belgium.
