THIBAUT COURTOIS has REFUSED to play for Belgium while Domenico Tedesco is still the national team manager.
Tedesco, 38, left the Real Madrid keeper, 32, out of his squad for Euro 2024 despite Courtois having recovered from an ACL injury to help his club win the Champions League.
The pair previously clashed last year when Tedesco did not name Courtois as captain for a Euros qualifier against Austria.
And they have not resolved their differences, with Courtois confirming he will not feature for Belgium while Tedesco remains at the helm.
Speaking on Instagram, he said: “I feel immense love and pride in representing my country on the pitch, as well as every one of you who supports the Red Devils.
“I feel privileged to have had the honour of wearing the national jersey. Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being able to do so more than 100 times.
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“Unfortunately, following the events with the coach and after much reflection, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his management.”
Belgium finished second in their Euros group behind Romania, but were then eliminated in the last 16 as they lost 1-0 to France.
Al-Qadsiah keeper Koen Casteels started all four matches at the tournament, conceding two goals.
After admitting he accepts his “share of responsibility” in the spat with Tedesco, Courtois took his criticism of the coach further.
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Thibaut Courtois’ full statement
“I want to address the Belgian fans and supporters of our national team.
“I feel immense love and pride in representing my country on the pitch, as well as every one of you who supports the Red Devils.
“I feel privileged to have had the honour of wearing the national jersey. Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being able to do so more than 100 times.
“Unfortunately, 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.
“The federation, with whom I have had several discussions, accepts my position and the reasons that led me to this painful but coherent decision.
“I regret possibly disappointing some fans, but 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.
“Thank you for your unwavering support, love, and understanding.”
He added: “However, looking forward, my lack of confidence in him would not contribute to maintaining the necessary atmosphere of cordiality.
“The federation, with whom I have had several discussions, accepts my position and the reasons that led me to this painful but coherent decision.
“I regret possibly disappointing some fans, but 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.”
Courtois has 102 caps for Belgium, meaning he sits eighth in the country’s all-time appearance list.
Belgium’s best tournament performance with the 6ft7in keeper in between the sticks came at the 2018 World Cup when they finished third.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
