Thibaut Courtois hopes that the controversy of his almost two -year -old self -supply of the Belgian team is over after conversations with his teammates on Monday.
In June 2023, the goalkeeper walked out of the Belgian camp for a Euro 2024 qualification match, after a row with earlier coach Domenico Tedesco and then refused to represent his country.
After dismissing Tedesco in January, however, Courtois said that he was open to a return, with new boss Rudi Garcia, including him in the team for this week's play-off.
Belgium will be confronted in a two -legged promotional investment, with the first stage that takes place in Murcia on Thursday, before the return set -up in Genk three days later.
Courtois, who made 102 performances for the national team, connected the Belgian team on Monday and had the opportunity to talk to his teammates about what happened, and he believes that this will benefit them in the future.
“There were many misunderstandings, half truths, so I could explain what happened. The teammates could ask their questions,” said Courtois in a press conference on Tuesday.
“I am relieved that we have been able to pronounce everything. Everything is clear and now we look ahead. I know I made my mistakes. At that moment I was not mentally 100% ready to play.
“After a long season you sometimes have impulsive reactions and that was not smart of me. That was not the best for the team and the supporters.
“I still think that the football club could have treated it better afterwards, but I also suffered a serious knee injury. I was not ready to play at the European Championship [in 2024] Anyway. And when a relationship with a coach breaks, it is also difficult. “
Sun is also out, too. pic.twitter.com/HGPDTMWIT1
– Belgian Red Devils (@belreddevils) March 18, 2025
It was reported that Courtois's disagreement started with Tedesco after being overlooked for the captain of the national team.
The 32-year-old, however, stated that this was not the cause of the demolition in their relationship.
“Much was written that I left because I did not get the bracelet from the captain, but that is not true. That is the biggest disinformation,” Courtois added.
“I understand that it was difficult for the fans at the time. I hope they can accept me again. I understand that it is not easy, but I hope they will support the team.”
Although Garcia has not confirmed the identity of his captain, Courtois would be a candidate besides Kevin De Bruyne van Manchester City and Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku.
There were changes in the Belgium team on Tuesday, with Centrum-Rug Ameen al-Dakhil and striker Michy Batshuayi, who has been back in the team after almost a year, called as cover for injury-doubts. Malick Fofana and Arthur The Coating were both able to miss the first stage against Ukraine.
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