Thibaut Courtois has returned to Belgium duty under Rudi Garcia following the exit of Domenico Tedesco, who the Real Madrid goalkeeper fell out with - and he has attempted to clear the air
Comments
Sport
Updated 08:47, 19 Mar 2025
Thibaut Courtois speaking in a Belgium press conference
Thibaut Courtois faced the media for the first time since returning to Belgium
(Image: Jan De Meuleneir / Photonews via Getty Images)
Thibaut Courtois has revealed that he has ironed things out with his Belgium team-mates after ending his self-imposed exile. The Real Madrid goalkeeper has not played for the nation since leaving a team camp ahead of a Euros qualifier in June 2023.
It had been said that Courtois' departure had come after not being awarded the captain's armband for the national team, something he denies. But now Domenico Tedesco, who he fell out with, is no longer manager of the nation.
Article continues below
Rudi Garcia was appointed as the side's new boss in January, and Courtois is now set to play against Ukraine in the upcoming Nations League play-off. Courtois' call-up has already seen Koen Casteels make himself unavailable for selection - the Al-Qadsiah goalkeeper was Tedesco's No.1 throughout Euro 2024.
Upon his return, Courtois has already attempted to clear the air with his team-mates. The veteran shotstopper has admitted that he made mistakes.
READ MORE: Inside England's new era as Thomas Tuchel sets stall out in first meetingREAD MORE: Ruben Amorim's plans for international break as Man Utd priority becomes clearer
"There were a lot of misunderstandings, half-truths, so I was able to explain what happened," Courtois said. "The team-mates were able to ask their questions.
"I'm relieved that we were able to talk everything out. Everything is clear and now we're looking ahead. I know I made my mistakes.
"At that time, I wasn't mentally 100 per cent ready to play. After a long season, you sometimes have impulsive reactions and that was not smart of me, that was not the best thing for the team and the supporters.
Thibaut Courtois last represented Belgium in 2023
Thibaut Courtois last represented Belgium in 2023(Image: Jan De Meuleneir / Photonews)
"I still think the football association could have handled it better afterwards, but I also suffered a serious knee injury. I wasn't ready to play at the European Championship anyway. And when a relationship with a coach breaks down it's also difficult.
"A lot had been written that I left because I didn't get the captain's armband, but that's not true. That's the biggest disinformation.
"I understand it was hard for the fans at the time. I hope that they can accept me again. I understand it's not easy, but I hope that they will support the team."
READ MORE: Rasmus Hojlund discovers FA stance on Man Utd star's controversial goal celebrationREAD MORE: Chelsea star releases heartbreaking statement as Enzo Maresca dealt another injury blow
Newly self-exiled goalkeeper Casteels has expressed his frustration that Courtois has been welcomed back to so much fanfare from his nation's football association. The 32-year-old believes Courtois has shown little sign of contrition.
"First of all, I find it strange that Courtois has decided to return on his own and I find it strange that the federation has changed its mind,” he told the MidMid Podcast.
"For me, we are all equal, no player is above the team. That was the case at the beginning, but now the federation has rolled out the red carpet for him.
Koen Casteels was Belgium's goalkeeper at Euro 2024
Koen Casteels was Domenico Tedesco's first choice goalkeeper amid Thibaut Courtois' absence
"I recently heard him say about Tedesco's dismissal that it shows that he was right. For me, that shows little sense of guilt.
"This does not conform to the standards and values that I consider appropriate for a team sport. I cannot be part of an organisation that approves this type of behaviour.
"As of today I am no longer available for the national team. I cannot go to the national team with a clear conscience.
"There are many players who do not agree. I am curious about what they will say. It was not just about that incident between Courtois and Tedesco, other things were said that hurt me."
Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans said it had been important Courtois clarified matters however. "The most important thing is that he realises that some things went down badly with the group of players, but he said that he had not meant it that way," he said.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.