Willem II icon Heerkens (34) puts an end to his career: ‘The circle is complete’ | Football

“A few weeks ago I made the choice for myself to stop playing football,” says Heerkens on the club website. “Willem II has become an important part of my life.

Heerkens grew into a club icon in Tilburg. He played a total of 246 matches for Willem II, of which 151 in the Eredivisie. Heerkens started his career as a youth player at PSV and moved to Go Ahead Eagles in 2010. After ninety matches for the Deventers, he switched to Willem II in 2013.

In Tilburg he immediately achieved great success by becoming champion of the Jupiler League (now the Kitchen Champion Division) in his debut season. He also seems to be able to do that this season. Last week, Willem II was promoted back to the Eredivisie after two years.

Now he says goodbye to the ‘Tricolores’ with his head held high. “The circle is complete,” says Heerkens. “In my first season we were on the Heuvel and after the relegation two years ago I had only one goal: to get promoted again with the club that is dear to me.”

Heerkens’ football retirement does not come as a surprise. The veteran did not have a permanent starting position this season and was told in March that Willem II had formally terminated his contract.

On Friday at 8 p.m., Heerkens will play his last match against Telstar, in which he hopes to win one more prize with Willem II. “In my last match I want to fight for the championship. Becoming champion is the icing on the cake.”