Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois no longer wants to play for Belgium. The 102-time international is withdrawing from the national team following a dispute with coach Domenico Tedesco.
23.08.2024, 09:18
23.08.2024, 11:56
SDA
"Unfortunately, after the events with the coach and after careful consideration, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his leadership. I take my share of responsibility in this matter," the 32-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper explained on social media. The association continues to stand by the German coach and replied dryly that it regrets the decision, but accepts it.
The dispute was triggered by a situation in June last year. In place of the injured Kevin De Bruyne, Tedesco had named striker Romelu Lukaku as captain in the international match against Austria and not Courtois. The latter left after the game, although another match against Estonia was due shortly afterwards. After subsequent mutual accusations, in which Courtois virtually accused his coach of lying, the dispute degenerated. Courtois was no longer called up and Belgium also played the European Championship in Germany without him.
