Thibaut Courtois, the star goalkeeper for Belgium and Real Madrid, has officially declared his decision to step away from the Belgian national team. This announcement, made via his social media accounts, comes with a significant caveat: his departure is not permanent, but will last as long as Domenico Tedesco remains at the helm as head coach.
The strained relationship between Courtois and Tedesco has been an open secret for some time, with tensions reaching a boiling point recently. The situation escalated when Courtois was noticeably absent from the squad list for the upcoming UEFA European Championship, a decision that many saw as confirmation of the fractured bond between player and coach.
In his statement, Courtois provided insight into his decision, saying, "After recent events and much deliberation, I have chosen not to return to the Belgian national team while Tedesco remains in charge. I acknowledge my role in this situation, but I believe that continuing under his leadership would only hinder the necessary harmony within the team."
Courtois also mentioned that he had engaged in several discussions with the Belgian Football Federation, who, after understanding his stance, accepted his choice. "I understand that some fans might be disappointed by my decision, but I firmly believe that this is the best course of action for Belgium's national team. It allows us to move past this issue and focus on our goals."
The Belgian Football Federation responded to Courtois' announcement with a statement of their own, expressing regret over his decision but ultimately respecting it. "We regret but understand Thibaut Courtois' decision to step down from the national team under the current management. Following the European Championship, we discussed his future with the team, and now that his intentions are clear, we respect his choice. We thank him for his contributions to the Red Devils and wish him all the best in his future endeavors."
This development marks a significant moment in Belgian football, as one of their key players takes a step back, raising questions about the future dynamics of the national team under Tedesco's leadership.