2024-08-23 03:32:09
In June, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left the Belgian national team after a dispute with coach Domenico Tedesco. Now it is clear: he will not be returning.
The conflict between Belgium’s long-time national goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and national coach Domenico Tedesco has reached its negative peak. The 32-year-old announced her retirement from the national team – the reason being Tedesco. “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 accept my share of responsibility in this matter,” the Real Madrid goalkeeper announced on social media.
The trigger for the situation was last June, when Tedesco gave the captain’s armband to striker Romelu Lukaku for the injured Kevin De Bruyne in the international match against Austria (1:1) instead of Courtois, who had previously been honored for his 100th international match. The goalkeeper left after the match, although there was still a match against Estonia to be played. After subsequent mutual accusations, in which Courtois basically accused his coach of lying, the dispute escalated.
“Looking to the future, my lack of trust in him would not help to maintain the necessary atmosphere of cordiality,” the 102-time national goalkeeper continued. The association has accepted his point of view and the reasons “that led me to this painful but conclusive decision.” He regrets having potentially disappointed some fans, “but I am convinced that this is the best solution for Belgium, as it puts an end to a debate and allows the team to concentrate on pursuing its goals.”