On being labelled a thug:“It think it’s easy for them to portray me as an aggressive player but I’m not. I try to play my game, I try my best to recover the ball quickly: that’s my job. Try to be better all the time, to give my best for the team, for the club. I always want to improve.”

© David Hughes

On José Mourinho:“I’ve learnt a lot with him. José is someone who wants to win every game: he pushes players to get the maximum from them. He has a very good understanding with his players. He’s a winner.”

© David Hughes

On Belgium’s chances in the World Cup:“We hope to do better than at the last World Cup and Euros. We have a great squad and we’re four years more experienced. We’re ready and want to do something special for the Belgian fans.”

© David Hughes

GQ Style Spring/Summer 2018 is previewed exclusively at Conde Nast Worldwide News, 1-2 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JU, priced £6.50.