Real Madrid star confirms he will not return to international duty under current manager | OneFootball

A headline member of the first-team ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid has on Thursday unveiled a head-turning statement.

As much comes by way of Thibaut Courtois, and surrounds the plans of the goalkeeper on the international front.

Courtois, for his part, played no part in Belgium’s Euro 2024 campaign earlier this summer.

Despite recovering full fitness in time for the Champions League final following a lengthy spell on the sidelines at Real Madrid, the former Chelsea man was not called up by Red Devils head coach Domenico Tedesco.

This call is understood to have gone down altogether poorly with Courtois himself, who worked tirelessly to get back on the pitch after his ACL tear.

And, if the latest comments on the part of the 32-year-old himself are anything to go by, it would appear that Courtois still hasn’t gotten over as much.

In a statement released on Thursday evening, Courtois announced that he does not intend to line out for Belgium again, so long as Tedesco is manager.

Some of the key points from his statement are outlined below:

“Following the events with the coach and after much reflection, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his management.

“In this matter, I accept my share of responsibility. However, looking forward, my lack of confidence in him would not contribute to maintaining the necessary atmosphere of cordiality.

“I am convinced that this is the best course of action for Belgium, as it closes a debate and allows the team to focus on pursuing its goals.”

Conor Laird | GSFN