As long as Domenico Tedesco is the manager of the Belgian national team, star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid has stated that he would not play for the side. After being left out of Belgium’s Euro 2024 team, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has more than 100 caps for his country, has chosen to retire from international service.
Despite a disappointing season due to knee issues, the 32-year-old goalkeeper was able to return to Real Madrid just before the start of the competition. Nevertheless, Tedesco decided against rostering Courtois for the Belgian national team, instead selecting Al Qadsiah’s Koen Casteels, Luton Town’s Thomas Kaminski, and Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels as goalkeepers.
A split with Tedesco occurred just before Belgium’s June 2024 Euro qualifier against Estonia, and Courtois hasn’t featured for the national team since. Courtois has vehemently refuted Tedesco’s assertion that he declined to accompany the squad to Tallinn.
Despite his regret, Courtois was certain about his pride in serving Belgium in a social media post he released. He did, however, say that he had lost faith in Tedesco as a coach and would not be returning to the national squad under his tutelage. Courtois took some heat for the scenario, but he stressed that he was acting in the team’s best interest and trying to keep the mood upbeat.
“I have always felt immense love and pride in wearing the national jersey and representing Belgium,” he added. However, I have resolved not to return to the Belgian national team under his coaching tenure, after considerable consideration and in light of recent developments involving the coach. In my opinion, both the team and I will benefit the most from this choice.
After discussing Courtois’s attitude with him, the Belgian Football Federation has accepted his choice.
Belgium qualified for the Euro 2024 knockout rounds by placing second in their group on goal differential, even though all three of their group opponents—Ukraine, Romania, and Slovakia—finished with a point each. Koen Casteels started every game for the Red Devils, but they were eliminated in the round of 16 by France.
With Thibaut Courtois out with an injury, Casteels will likely maintain starting goalie duties for Belgium as they get ready for September’s Nations League matches against France and Israel.
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