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In an exclusive interview on Koora Break, Thibaut Courtois was interviewed by legendary Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. While the entire interview is yet to be released, a major talking point, that is doing the rounds is Courtois announcing that he is ready to return to play for the Belgian national team soon.
“After this one and a half year being injured, being on the sidelines; I really missed playing for Belgium and to play big tournaments,” said the Real Madrid shot stopper, hinting his return. Notably, Courtois missed the important Euro 2024 tournament with the Belgian national team. Belgium cleared the group-stage of the Euro 2024 but were knocked out by France in the round of 16 by a slim 1-0 margin.
End of tension between Belgium national team and Thibaut Courtois?
After suffering a cruciate ligament tear in August 2023 with Real Madrid, Courtois was out injured for almost 235 days. He was able to come back in time for Real Madrid’s game in the Champions League final and ended up winning the cup with the Los Blancos. Ever since then he was fit during the months of June and July when the Euro 2024 tournament was taking place where he was expected to play for Belgium but a row with the then Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco, Courtois was left out of the squad.
In the following month of August, Courtois himself announced that he would not play for the Belgian national team under the current coach’s management. He said, “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 brought in Koen Casteels as his replacement.
However in January 2025, ex-Roma manager Rudi Garcia was brought in to take over the Belgian national team after former coach Domenico Tedesco was fired. This change in management and no recent injury concerns could be the reason Courtois is now set to make his return to the national team.
