Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has announced he will not play for the national team for as long as Domenico Tedesco is manager.
Courtois, 32, has 102 caps for his country but was left out of Tedesco’s squad for the European Championship in Germany this summer.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper had missed the majority of the 2023-24 campaign with a pair of knee injuries. but was fit to start Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, less than a fortnight before Belgium’s opening game at Euro 2024.
In a statement released on his social media channels, Courtois said: “Following the events with the coach and after much reflection, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his management.”
The Athletic reported in June last year that Courtois had previously been unhappy at being overlooked for the Belgium captaincy after Kevin De Bruyne withdrew from the camp with an injury.
Tedesco, who replaced Roberto Martinez as the team’s head coach in February, instead opted to hand the armband to Romelu Lukaku for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Austria – Courtois’ most recent appearance for his nation.
Courtois continued: “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.”
He concluded: “I am 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.”
The two-time Champions League winner said the Belgian Federation (RBFA) had accepted his decision.
Euro 2024 was Belgium’s first major tournament without Courtois since 2012, with the ‘keeper playing every match of the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as the 2016 and 2020 Euros.
The Athletic has contacted the RBFA for comment.
(VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
