Thibaut Courtois rules out return to Red Devils under coach Tedesco
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has ruled out a return to the Belgian national football team while Domenico Tedesco remains the manager, he posted on social media on Thursday. Courtois played his last international match on 17 June last year.
“Following the events with the coach and after much reflection, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his management,” Courtois said. “In this matter, I accept my share of responsibility. However, looking forward, my lack of confidence in him would not contribute to maintaining the necessary atmosphere of cordiality.”
Courtois said he regrets “possibly disappointing some fans" but is "convinced that this is the best course of action for Belgium, as it closes a debate and allows the team to focus on pursuing its goals”.
"We would like to thank Thibaut for the great moments with the Red Devils and wish him good luck for the future"
The Real Madrid goalkeeper has 102 caps for the national team. “I feel privileged to have had the honor of wearing the national jersey,” he said. “Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being able to do so more than 100 times.”
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it “regrets but accepts Thibaut Courtois' decision”. “We would like to thank Thibaut for the great moments with the Red Devils and wish him good luck for the future,” it said.
Courtois played his last match for the Red Devils in June last year, in the Euro 2024 qualifier against Austria. He then left the squad at short notice and missed the following match against Estonia. Courtois was reportedly unhappy with Tedesco's decision to make Romelu Lukaku team captain against Austria.
In an interview with Sporza last year, however, he said it "had nothing to do with the captain's armband”. “‘I felt a general lack of appreciation from the federation and the coach and that made something explode inside me,” he said. “The coach also made no effort to find a solution, but simply threatened to say everything to the press.”
Thibaut Courtois during hs last appearance for Belgium, against Austria, 17 June 2023 © BELGA PHOTO KRISTOF VAN ACCOM
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