The decision of Thibaut Courtois to return to Belgium was not received with universal approval in the Red Devil's camp.
The number 1 of Real Madrid is currently in eighth place in the all time list of performances for his national team with 102 caps prior to his expected recall this month.
Courtois made the decision to temporarily resign from the international service in August 2024 after a dispute with former coach Domenico Tedesco.
With Tedesco removed from his role at the beginning of 2025, Courtois would be ready to come back to come back from the cold, with new head coach Rudi Garcia Open for a reconciliation.
Courtois tied to his weapons about the issue and claimed that he 'was right' about the disagreement, and he responded positively to conversations with Garcia.
Garcia offered an update to talk about talking to the Belgian players involved in the Champions League play-off between Real Madrid and Manchester City in February.
“He will come back. It is excellent news for Belgium. I have always considered Thibaut as the best keeper in the world, “he said.
“I went to him in Madrid for Real Madrid vs. Man City, where I also met Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku.”
Despite the apparent strong response to the return of Courtois and the pressure of Belgium to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, one player is losing.
Wolfsburg keeper Koen Casteel has stepped into the gorge that was abandoned by Courtois and has performed well, but he now seems to be banned to a banking role.
Casteels responded to the news with the 32-year-old who criticized Courtois and confirms his retirement of international football.
“It is strange that the football club has become 180 degrees to roll out the red carpet and welcome him back with open arms,” he said on the midmid podcast.
“It is a bit strange that Courtois can decide for himself whether he can come back.
“It is not so much in the direction of Thibaut, but the football club. This does not fit with the norms and values that I have about what a team sport should have.
“From today I am no longer available [for the national team]. “
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