Leandro Trossard: I never asked not to be selected

The Arsenal winger, who was left out of the last international window by coach Domenico Tedesco, made it clear that he never intended to distance himself from the Red Devils.

“I never said I didn’t want to be selected anymore,” Trossard said during his media appearance at the KBVB Federal Building in Tubeke.

“I never said I didn’t want to be selected anymore.” Het Belang

The 29-year-old has been in good form for Arsenal this season, contributing two goals and one assist in nine appearances, and is determined to continue that trajectory with Belgium.

“I feel great in my skin,” Trossard said. “I’ve been at Arsenal for two years now, and so far I’ve had pretty consistent performances. The team is also running well at the moment, then it’s easy for me. You can see that on the field.”

After being passed over for Belgium’s recent matches against Israel and France, Trossard took the opportunity to recharge with a short vacation, but he also kept an eye on the national team’s progress. “I took a vacation, but also followed the matches,” he admitted with a laugh, adding that he understood the coach’s decision to give new players a chance.

“He explained to me that he wanted to test new guys, including players who had not done much during the European Championship. I could agree with that explanation, that was the end of the story for me.”

Belgium’s Leandro Trossard celebrates after scoring during a friendly match between Belgian national team Red Devils and the national team of Montenegro, at the King Baudouin Stadium, in Brussels, Wednesday 05 June 2024. (Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

As Belgium prepares for their upcoming fixtures against Italy and France, Trossard is ready to contribute, even as he recognises the challenges of integrating new players into a squad that has undergone significant changes.

With key figures like Kevin De Bruyne injured and Romelu Lukaku out of the national team, Trossard has been seen as a potential leader on and off the pitch.

However, he remains focused on his role rather than filling anyone else’s shoes. “It’s not up to me to take over someone else’s role, I just behave the way I did before,” he said, adding that Youri Tielemans, in his view, would be the natural choice for captaincy.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Leandro Trossard of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Riccardo Calafiori after scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City FC at Emirates Stadium on September 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Reflecting on the differences between his club and national duties, Trossard acknowledges that the level of play and the time available for preparation can be quite different. “Too many comparisons are made with how it used to be with the Red Devils,” he said. “We had the Golden Generation, that’s right, but now there are other guys, with their own qualities, so we have to adapt to that too.”

He pointed out that at a club like Arsenal, players have the chance to refine their tactical understanding daily, while international duties often require adapting quickly to new strategies.

As Belgium looks to rebuild after a disappointing European Championship, Trossard’s experience and quality will be crucial for integrating younger talents like Lamine Yamal and offering guidance.

But for Trossard, the focus remains simple: performing at his best, whether for Arsenal or Belgium, and enjoying his football. “I am personally happy to be here, because I want to continue the good line at Arsenal with the Red Devils,” he said.