Thibaut Courtois has dropped a big hint over his Belgian future after more than 18 months away from the national team.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper, whose last performance for Belgium came during a European championship qualification against Austria in June 2023, refused to play for his country until Domenico Tedesco was replaced as manager of the first team.
In August 2024, after a long enchantment on the sidelines with injury, Courtois announced his self -imposed exile by revealing that he 'had no confidence' in current management and would not return to change.
It is believed that the row came from Courtois that is overlooked for Captainincy under Tedesco, where Kevin De Bruyne takes the bracelet permanently after Eden Hazard's retirement in 2023.
Belgium's FA dismissed Tedesco in January after his party struggled last year at both the European Championships and the Nations League.
Madrid's keeper, who will be 33 in May, admitted that he is 'ready' to return now that Rudi Garcia Tedesco has taken over in the Belgian Dugout.
“I really missed to play for Belgium … it's a year and a half ago, now I am ready to come back,” Courtois told the Koora Break Podcast last weekend, as reported by the Spanish Outlet Marca.
Shortly after he was appointed as the new head coach of Belgium, Garcia said: “It is a shame not to be able to count on the best goalkeeper in the world.”
His father, Thierry Courtois, has also revealed that conversations have taken place between the Belgian FA and the keeper, whose first match would be back against Ukraine on March 20 if selected.
The explanation that confirmed his exile in 2023, which was shared via the social media accounts of the star, was: 'I feel privileged that I had the honor to wear the national sweater. Not even in my wildest dreams, I could have imagined that I could do this more than 100 times.
'Unfortunately, after the events with the coach and after much reflection, I decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his management.
'In this matter I accept my share of responsibility. However, I look forward to, however, my lack of trust in him would not contribute to maintaining the necessary atmosphere of cordiality.
'I am sorry that I may disappoint some fans, but I am convinced that this is the best way of acting for Belgium, because it closes a debate and enables the team to concentrate on the pursuit of his goals. Thank you for your relentless support, love and understanding. '
The exile of Courtois and the expected return is the newest story in a long soap opera with the 'Golden Generation' from Belgium, who have taken more headlines off the field compared to on it.
Blessed with a wealth -super stars such as Courtois, De Bruyne, Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Vincent Kompany and Dries Mertens to name just a few, Belgium did not get close to silverware, despite the fact that he arranged the no. 1 arranged side at a certain moment was in the world.
Just over ten years ago, in 2014, De Bruyne's ex-girlfriend Caroline Lajnen revealed that she cheated on him with Courtois after she claimed that the Manchester City Ace had an affair with her former best friend.
Speaking with the Belgian publication story magazine, she said: 'Kevin cheated on me. I said nothing for months because I couldn't say anything, as Kevin's parents said they would take legal steps if I would give my story. I was under pressure and I couldn't have contact with Kevin.
“I respected everything. But in his book it keeps it simple, Kevin wrote a passage about my affair with Thibaut. So I decided not to remain silent anymore.
'In the summer of 2012, Kevin told me that he had an affair with my old best friend. I gave him the choice: her or me. I was ready to give him another chance, but our relationship was never the same afterwards. '
Under former manager Roberto Martinez, the players of Belgium were reportedly involved in a huge bust in the dressing room after their exit from the World Cup 2022, initiated after De Bruyne admitted that his side was 'too old' to win the tournament.
Weeks later, with Tedesco that Martinez had replaced after the elimination of Belgium, Courtois again caused seismic unrest in the camp after allegedly clashed with staff and players in the dressing room when Lukaku was picked as a stand-in captain in the absence of De Bruyne.
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