" Since I was 15, I have not spent a Christmas or a New Year with my family. "
- Toby Alderweireld

This quote speaks to a person's prolonged absence from family gatherings during significant holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day, beginning when they were just fifteen years old. It highlights the continuous separation experienced by someone who has missed out on these festive moments with their loved ones over multiple years.

The deep meaning of this statement goes beyond just noting the absence; it conveys a sense of personal sacrifice or life circumstances that have led to such prolonged absences from family traditions and celebrations. This could be due to career choices, military service, travel requirements, or other commitments that place an individual far from home during times when being together is most cherished. The quote evokes feelings of longing for the familiar warmth of shared holiday experiences with one’s kin, emphasizing the personal cost involved in maintaining a particular lifestyle or fulfilling professional obligations.

Toby Alderweireld is a Belgian football player who has played professionally since he was very young. Known for his dedication to his sport, it appears this quote reflects his life's priorities and challenges related to being an athlete committed to international competitions and club matches that often interfere with family time during holidays.