Tibhaut Courtois: Real Madrid goalkeeper refuses to play for Belgium under manager Domenico Tedesco after Euro 2024 snub
By Conor Keenan
Updated 23/08/2024 at 08:36 GMT+1
Despite winning over 100 caps for his country, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois announced on social media he will not represent his nation again under current manager Domenico Tedesco. The 32-year-old was left out of Belgium's squad for Euro 2024 after an injury-ravaged season, although the shot-stopper was fit enough to feature at the tournament after returning to club duties in Madrid.
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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has announced that he will not play for Belgium under manager Domenico Tedesco.
The 32-year-old was left out of the Belgium squad for Euro 2024 after two separate knee injuries disrupted his season. However, the goalkeeper had returned to club action for Los Blancos before the tournament began.
Tedesco would leave Courtois at home, instead picking Al Qadsiah goalkeeper Koen Casteels, Luton Town's Thomas Kaminski and Nottingham Forest shot-stopper Matz Sels.
Courtois has won 102 caps for Belgium in his career, but hasn't played for his country in over a year after falling out with Tedesco ahead of a Euro 2024 qualifier against Estonia last June.
Tedesco alleged Courtois refused to travel with the team to Tallinn, something the goalkeeper denied.
Writing on social media, the former Chelsea goalkeeper stated that despite the "love and pride" of representing his country, he will step away from the setup as long as Tedesco remains the manager of the national side.
"I feel immense love and pride in representing my country on the pitch, as well as every one of you who supports the Red Devils," Courtois said.
"I feel privileged to have had the honor of wearing the national jersey.
"Unfortunately, following the events with the coach and after much reflection, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his management. 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.
"The Federation, with whom I have had several discussions, accepts my position and the reasons that led me to this painful but coherent decision. I regret possibly disappointing some fans, but I am convinced that this is the best course of action for Belgium."
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Belgium finished second in Group E at the Euros despite opponents Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine all finishing on four points, having won, drawn and lost one game each. The Red Devils progressed alongside group winners Romania via goal difference.
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They were knocked out of the tournament by France in the round of 16 stage, with Casteels starting every game for Tedesco's side.
Casteels, in the absence of Courtois, will look to keep his place as Belgian No. 1 in the upcoming Nations League games against Israel and France in early September.
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