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Thibaut Courtois ‘fails to report for Belgium duty’ after he was ‘snubbed for captaincy with team-mate preferred’


THIBAUT COURTOIS has failed to show up for Belgium duty after he was overlooked for the captaincy, according to reports.

Romelu Lukaku was instead handed the armband on Saturday against Austria in the absence of usual captain Kevin De Bruyne, which allegedly left Courtois fuming.

Thibaut Courtois failed to report for training after being snubbed for the captaincyCredit: AFP
His fiancee Mishel Gerzig handed him a gift after he was honoured for reaching 100 caps on SaturdayCredit: AP
The pair shared a kiss pitchsideCredit: Reuters
Romelu Lukaku was handed the captain’s armband against AustriaCredit: Reuters

Courtois, 31, failed to report for training ahead of the clash against Estonia on Tuesday, according to Het Nieuwsblad.

The Real Madrid shot-stopper was meant to captain the Red Devils for the clash but is now a doubt to play.

Courtois’ tantrum comes just days after he was honoured for reaching 100 Belgium caps, with the goalkeeper receiving a small trophy for the achievement.

His fiancee Mishel Gerzig also handed him a gift as the couple shared a kiss pitchside.

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However after the game Courtois is said to have rowed with team-mates in the dressing room after Belgium struggled to a 1-1 draw with Austria.

Belgium boss Domenico Todesco had intended to make Courtois feel valued by giving him the armband against Estonia – before he failed to show for training.

Todesco said after the Austria game: “Thibaut Courtois is very important to us. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate him.

“On Saturday I had a conversation with Romelu and Thibaut about the captaincy. Against Austria it was Lukaku, against Estonia, Thibaut gets the credit.

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“It is important to us that he feels valued.”

Courtois was also welcomed into the Belgium Hall of Fame and he revealed his pride at the accolade.

He wrote on social media: “Honoured to join the Walk of Fame!🇧🇪 Representing the Red Devils and earning over 100 caps has been a dream come true!!

“A special day for the recognition of the 💯 caps as a Red Devil, unfortunately it didn’t end with a victory. Thanks for the support!”


Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk


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