Thibaut Courtois, the esteemed Real Madrid goalkeeper, has rejoined Belgium's national team setup following a period of absence. Courtois, who boasts 102 caps for Belgium, had parted ways with the team amid tension just before a crucial European Championship qualifier against Estonia in June 2023. His decision to leave was influenced by not being mentally prepared to play at the time. Now, after clearing misunderstandings with his teammates, Courtois is eager to win back the support of Belgium's fans.
The 32-year-old's absence from international football was marked by a challenging season at the club level. Courtois admitted that the long season led to impulsive reactions that were not in the best interest of the team or its supporters. Reflecting on this period, he stated that he was not ready to play at the European Championship due in part to a serious knee injury and a broken relationship with former coach Domenico Tedesco.
"I know I made my mistakes. At that time, I wasn't mentally 100 per cent ready to play." – Thibaut Courtois
Courtois' return has been facilitated by the appointment of Rudi Garcia as the new coach, replacing Tedesco. This change in leadership provided a fresh start and an opportunity for Courtois to mend ties with the national team. The goalkeeper expressed relief at having resolved past issues, emphasizing that he and his teammates are now focused on future matches.
"I'm relieved that we were able to talk everything out. Everything is clear and now we're looking ahead," – Thibaut Courtois
As Belgium prepares for the forthcoming Nations League play-off double-header against Ukraine, Courtois is set to play a pivotal role. His return is seen as a significant boost for the team as they aim to secure a strong position in the competition.
Courtois also addressed rumors regarding his departure from the national team camp, clarifying misinformation about his motives. He refuted claims that his exit was related to not receiving the captain's armband.
"A lot had been written that I left because I didn't get the captain's armband, but that's not true. That's the biggest disinformation." – Thibaut Courtois
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