The titular goalkeeper of Belgium has renounced the national team in a public dispute over the expected return of Thibaut Courtois to the team.
Koen Casteels is furious because Courtois will be allowed to return to Belgium fold after the Chelsea cap promised never playing again for them.
Courtois has not played for the Red Devils in June 2023 after falling with former manager Domenico Tedesco.
The former Chelsea plug initially did not appear for the service in June 2023 due to the anger reported that Romelu Lukaku had been chosen as a captain in front of him.
In August last year, Courtois reiterated his refusal to play for Belgium while Tedesco was in charge, with Casteels taking first place in his place.
But Courtois's revelation that suddenly wants to play for Belgium, with Rudi García now on the bench, has bothered Casteels, who has now renounced himself.
Belgium's goalkeeper, Domenic Tedesco, has renounced the team ahead of Thibaut Courtois's expected return
Courtois had resigned from the national team due to a consequence of former Domenico Manager Tedesco
According to the reports, I was upset because Romelu Lukaku was chosen as a captain in front of him for a match
“It is strange that the Soccer Association has turned 180 degrees and is deploying the red carpet and welcoming it with open arms,” Midmid's Belgian podcast told Podcast.
'I think it's a bit strange that Courtois can decide for himself if he can return.
'It is not so much towards Thibaut, but mainly towards the Soccer Association.
'That does not fit with the standards and values that I have about what a team sport or sports organization should have. As of today, I am no longer available (for the national team).
Tedesco left his role with Belgium in January, racing the way for Courtois to return.
He was barely in charge for just under two years, having joined in February 2023, but his focus of the Captaincy was explosive.
In the absence of the usual Kevin pattern of Bruyne, Lukaku was appointed captain of a fixed element against Austria in June 2023.
Curtois was supposed to use the bracelet for his next match against Estonia, but spit his doll, according to Het Nieuwsblad.
Casteels does not like how the bosses are 'deploying the red carpet' so that Courtois returns
Courtois seems willing to play again now that Rudi García has replaced Tedesco as manager
The former Chelsea star has accumulated 102 caps and would be the undisputed number one
Then he refused to play against Estonia in the next qualifier of the European championship.
“I would like to be able to say that it is an injury, but I can't lie,” Tedesco said about the rumors that Courtois was going home.
Courtois replied: 'This afternoon I was surprised to hear the press conference of the coach in which he gave a partial and subjective account of a private conversation we had after the match against Austria.
'I want to make it clear that it is not the first time or the last time I speak with a coach about issues related to a costume, but it is the first time someone decides to say it publicly. I am deeply disappointed with this, but I want to make it clear that the coach's evaluations do not fit with reality. ''
He has not played for the national team since then. Tedesco was often interrogated by his tactics (he did not help Belgium lost 1-0 against France in the last 16 in the 2024 Eurocup, and Courtois announced a complete distancing from the national team last August.
'I feel privileged to have had the honor of wearing the national shirt. Not even in my wildest dreams I could have imagined being able to do it more than 100 times, 'Curtois published through his social media accounts.
'Unfortunately, after the events with the coach and after a lot of reflection, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his administration.
'In this matter, I accept my part of responsibility. However, looking forward, my lack of confidence in him would not contribute to maintaining the necessary atmosphere of cordiality.
Tedesco was persistently questioned as Chief Belgium and crashed from the 2024 Eurocup in the last 16 to France.
'I am possibly disappointing some fans, but I am convinced that this is the best course of action for Belgium, since it closes a debate and allows the team to concentrate on pursuing its goals. Thank you for your unwavering support, love and understanding.
It is said that Courtois met with the new Chief Rudi García in February and is open to return.
“I really missed playing for Belgium … A year and a half has passed, now I'm ready to return,” Courtois told the Kora Break podcast, as reported by the Spanish departure brand.
Being the first choice archer of Real Madrid, and with 102 caps in his name, there are little doubt that his return would usurp the castes of the students for a long time.
But Casteels has made the selection decision, but withdrawing from the national configuration.
Belgium's official account about X replied: “They informed us today of Koen Casteels' decision to withdraw from international service with the Belgian Red.”
“While we regret his choice, we want to sincerely thank Koen for his dedication and the moments we share together.”