Follow usBelgium’s top goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming European Championship to ensure a full recovery from a knee injury. Courtois, who plays for Real Madrid, shared his decision with Belgian TV station VRT on Tuesday.
“I need to fully recover, so it’s better to provide clarity now,” stated the 31-year-old goalkeeper. He expressed optimism about a potential return to play a match in May but acknowledged that he won’t be ready for the tournament. Courtois emphasized the importance of not being in goal at less than 100% and believes it’s best to make way for other talented players.
Courtois suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a training session in October, leading to months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery. Despite sitting out Euro 2024 in Germany, Courtois clarified that this decision doesn’t necessarily mark a final farewell from the national team, despite leaving the squad in June following a disagreement with coach Domenico Tedesco.
🚨🇧🇪 Courtois announces he won’t be part of Belgium squad at the Euros.
“Due to the injury, there will be no Euro for me anyway. I have to recover the full one hundred percent first and then you better not stick a date on it”. pic.twitter.com/mcZVIGwiUB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 19, 2023
The conflict arose over the team’s captaincy, according to Tedesco, but Courtois asserted that it was a broader lack of appreciation that prompted his departure. Reflecting on his previous decision, Courtois apologized to the team and fans, expressing his ongoing love for playing for the national team. However, he emphasized the need to focus on Real Madrid this season, and the European Championship doesn’t align with his plans for a perfect comeback.
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