Thibaut Courtois announces that he will not play for Belgium under Domenico Tedesco
Goalkeeper of Belgium Thibaut Courtois has announced that he will not play for the national team as long as Domenico Tedesco is coach.
Courtois, 32, has played 102 international matches for his country but was not included in Tedesco’s squad for the European Championship in Germany this summer.
The former Chelsea The goalkeeper had missed most of the 2023/24 season due to two knee injuries. But he was fit again to start real Madrid2-1 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League Finale, less than two weeks before BelgiumOpening game of the 2024 European Championship.
In a statement posted on his social media channels, Courtois said: “Following the events with the coach and after careful consideration, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his leadership.”
The athlete reported in June last year that Courtois had previously been unhappy about being passed over for Belgium’s captaincy after Kevin De Bruyne had to leave the training camp due to injury.
Tedesco, who replaced Roberto Martinez as the team’s head coach in February, instead decided to hand the captain’s armband to Romelu Lukaku for the 2024 European Championship qualifier against Austria – Courtois’ latest appearance for his country.
Courtois continued: “I accept my share of responsibility in this matter. However, looking to the future, my lack of trust in him will not help to maintain the necessary atmosphere of cordiality.”
He concluded: “I am convinced that this is the best course of action for Belgium as it will put an end to a debate and allow the team to focus on pursuing its objectives.”
The two-time Champions League winner said the Belgian FA (RBFA) had accepted his decision.
The 2024 European Championship was Belgium’s first major tournament without Courtois since 2012. The goalkeeper played all games at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups as well as the 2016 and 2020 European Championships.
The athlete has asked the RBFA for comment.
(VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)