Walem - set to bow out of international football. (Allsport)
WALEM TO QUIT BELGIANS
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Belgium midfielder Johan Walem has announced he will retire from international football after the World Cup.
The tough-tackling 30-year-old, who plays his football in Belgium with Standard Liege, wants to spend more time with his family.
"After this tournament, I will leave the Red Devils and will fully concentrate on my family and my home club," he told Belgian daily Het Nieuwsblad.
"After five years in Italy and all the fuss with the national team, it has been enough for me."
Walem is expected to start in Belgium's central midfield when they open their Group H campaign against co-hosts Japan in Saitama.
He has benefited from the withdrawal through injury of Anderlecht midfielder Walter Bassegio.
"Just being here proves all the critics that they were wrong about me. I'm at my strongest, and the coach gave me a free role. I'm ready for Japan," Walem added.
Walem was held in high esteem by the Italian press after enjoying a successful 1998-99 season with Udinese.
After a disappointing spell at Parma in 1999-2000 he returned to Udinese for a season before moving to Standard last summer.
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