Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) has left the Belgian national team.
Multiple European media outlets, including Spanish outlet As, are reporting that Courtois has left the squad after the departure of Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) handed the captain’s armband to Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan).
The Belgium captain’s armband originally belonged to Eden Hazard. However, after his retirement, Brunner took over the captaincy. As a result of his injury, Brunner missed Belgium’s Euro 2024 group game against Austria on Aug. 18 (1-1 draw). Domenico Tedesco opted for Lukaku to wear the captain’s armband. Both Courtois and Lukaku are vice-captains.토토사이트
Lukaku. Tallinn | AP
Lukaku. Brussels | AFP
Belgium played their fourth group game against Estonia on June 21, winning 3-0. However, Courtois left the squad ahead of the game. “After the Austria game, Courtois came to me and said: ‘I’m disappointed, I’m hurt. He said, ‘I’m disappointed, I’m hurt, I don’t feel respected in the team, so I’m going back,'” Tedesco revealed.
Although Courtois’ father said that “his son had a knee injury and decided to rest after an agreement with his club Real Madrid,” Tedeschi said that “it’s not true.” “Personally, I think Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. I love him as a person, not just as a goalkeeper, but as a human being. But (his departure) is a shock.”
“I was surprised to hear the coach’s press conference, which gave a partial and subjective account of a private conversation, and I want to make it clear that this is the first time someone has made it public,” Courtois said in an official statement, adding, “In no case did I ask for anything. I only spoke to Lukaku to clarify the situation.”