AC MILAN star Koni De Winter has withdrawn from Belgium duty over a lack of minutes that date back to the 2026 World Cup.

De Winter, 24, spent the national team’s last nine matches – in which he was involved in the machday squad – on the bench with his last ever appearance dating back to June during a friendly with Croatia.

The centre-back was part of former manager Rudi Garcia’s World Cup roster but didn’t play at all during last summer’s competition in the US, Canada and Mexico.

And the Belgian also hasn’t played under new boss Mark van Bommel, who replaced Garcia in July.

According to Marca, De Winter decided to make himself unavailable for Belgium during the upcoming international break after falling down the pecking order.

Van Bommel, 49, who is now set for his fifth game as the Belgian national team’s manager, confirmed the news after talking with the player on the phone.

But the Dutch tactician warned the defender that his decision will have “long-term consequences”.

Van Bommel said: “Koni De Winter has decided not to come. We have spoken on the phone.

“It is a long process of reflection that must be respected. This has, of course, long-term consequences.

“He is only 24 years old, it is too early to decide to stop being called up.”

Unlike his Belgium struggles, De Winter has been a central figure for Milan this season.

The ex-Juventus ace has played in all of the Rossoneri’s 14 matches across all competitions this term under new manager Ruben Amorim.

And De Winter has helped Amorim lead Milan to six wins – one of which saw them beating bitter rivals Inter Milan – and only one loss in their first ten Serie A matches after his acrimonious dismissal from Manchester United.

However, the ex-Genoa star – who counts eight caps for Belgium – now faces the highly likely chance of missing out on Euro 2028, which Van Bommel’s side could qualify for.