Thomas Meunier firm on staying at Borussia Dortmund, no return to Belgium

In a recent statement, Belgian defender Thomas Meunier has firmly stated his intention to remain with Borussia Dortmund this summer, dismissing any rumours of a return to Belgium.

Speculation surrounding the 31-year-old's future has been rife, with reports suggesting that Dortmund are prepared to offload the right-back at a reduced price. However, no concrete offers have materialized thus far.

Meunier himself has now addressed the swirling rumours linking him with a departure from Dortmund. The resolute defender affirmed that he will only consider leaving the Black and Yellow if presented with a more enticing challenge elsewhere.

Speaking to Belgian newspaper La Dernière Heure, Meunier said, "Borussia (Dortmund) will gladly cooperate if a club expresses interest in a transfer. However, I won't depart for the sake of it if I can't find a superior option to Dortmund. The club understands this, and there are no conflicts."

When pressed about whether he would leave under similar financial conditions for a new challenge, Meunier added, "I'm not even certain. No one here feels uncomfortable... We'll see how things progress. Teams in England, for instance, tend to make moves near the end of the transfer window. While I have already played in France, Belgium, and Germany, Spain, Italy, or Portugal might entice me."

Earlier this month, speculation emerged suggesting that Meunier had decided to rejoin Club Brugge, seven years after departing for Paris Saint-Germain. Reports even claimed that a three-year contract agreement had been reached with the Belgian club. However, Meunier has now dispelled these rumours, stating that he has not contemplated a return to Belgium this summer.

"It was a complete fabrication by whoever spread those rumours. They even detailed the supposed agreement. I questioned how someone could lie like that. Brugge didn't even give me a single phone call."

"I have never considered it. At 31, I still have aspirations abroad. A return to Belgium is not on my radar anytime soon."

It remains to be seen what lies ahead for Meunier, who is presently training with Dortmund in preparation for the upcoming Bundesliga season. Recent weeks have seen Juventus, Inter Milan, and Aston Villa linked with a potential move for the talented defender.