The Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has announced on social media that he will not be returning to the Belgian national football team as long as Domenico Tedesco remains coach. Speaking about his differences with the Belgian national team’s German coach, Thibaut Courtois said “I accept my share of the responsibility”.
Thibaut Courtois refuses to play for national team as long as Domenico Tedesco remains
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On Thursday evening Courtois wrote on the social media platform X that “Unfortunately, in view of the recent events with the coach and after much reflection, I have decided not to return to the national team under his management. I accept my share of responsibility in this matter”.
The quarrel between Courtois and Tedesco dates back to June 2023. Frustrated at not being given the captain's armband in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Austria, the Real Madrid goalkeeper left the squad ahead of the trip to Estonia, scheduled for a few days later.
At the time, the national team coach was quick to criticise the goalkeeper's decision. Two months later, Courtois suffered a serious knee injury, putting his chances of playing at this year’s Euros at risk. At the end of December, he announced in an interview with VRT Sport that he would not be playing at Euro 2024, preferring instead to concentrate on getting back to full fitness.
The keeper, who has been capped 102 times, finally made his return at the beginning of May, but was not included in Tedesco's squad for the Euros.
Courtois goes on to write that Belgian FA accepts his position and the reason that led him to take his decision. He adds that he regrets posibily having disappointed some supporters, but he is convince that his decision is in the best interests of the national team as it allows it to concentrate on its future objectives.
Belgian FA : “We respect his decision”
In a response the Belgian Football Association wrote on X that it “regrets but accepts” Thibaut Courtois’ decision. “After the Euros, we asked Courtois about his future plans with the Red Devils. These are now clear and we respect his decision. We would like to thank Thibaut for the great moments with the Red Devils and wish him all the best for the future."