Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has cast further doubt over his international future by publicly criticising Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco.
The 31-year-old, who has made over 100 caps for the Belgium national team, last played for his country in a European Championship qualifier against Austria on June 17.
Two days later, he was not selected to play against Estonia, with Tedesco claiming the Real Madrid goalkeeper refused to travel for the match because he was "offended" at being overlooked for the captaincy against Austria.
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In fact, Tedesco played down rumours of a possible medical issue and said in a press conference: “I wish I could say it’s an injury, but I can’t lie.”
Courtois hit back with a statement of his own.
“This afternoon I was surprised to hear the coach’s press conference in which he gave a partial and subjective account of a private conversation we had after the match against Austria,” wrote Courtois in June last year.
“I want to make it clear that it is not the first time or the last time that I talk to a coach about issues related to a locker room, but it is the first time that someone decides to tell it publicly.
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"I am deeply disappointed with this, but I want to make it clear that the coach’s assessments do not fit with reality.”
Nine months later and the tensions between Courtois and Tedesco are still apparent.
Speaking in a press conference this week, Tedesco said Belgium will play without Courtois at the Euros this summer despite his best efforts to take him to the tournament.
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“It's good that Courtois is fit again. He communicated very clearly and early. It is very fair. We are focusing on the players who are here," he said.
“We plan our preparation based on his statements. I tried everything to take him to the European Championship, but the last thing I heard was that he didn't feel ready to go. It was clear and honest on his part.”
Courtois, who has been sidelined with an ACL injury this season, responded to the clip of Tedesco discussing his future with three Pinocchio emojis, suggesting his skepticism towards Tedesco's statements.
Back in December, Courtois ruled out returning to international duty in time for Euro 2024 as he recovered from the ACL injury.
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He also launched a stinging attack on Tedesco after he snubbed him for the captaincy.
"Everything is going according to plan, even a little better than expected," Courtois told Belgium-based publication Sporza.
"I would normally only be able to start walking after four months, but I've already been working on it for a week. I haven't had any setbacks. Now it's important to be patient.
"Because of the injury, there will be no European Championships for me. First I have to recover 100%, and then it's better not to put a date on it. If I'm lucky, I can play in May. But then you can never be 100% ready for a big tournament."
Featured Image Credit: X/@PickxSports - Getty ImagesTopics: Thibaut Courtois, Belgium, Euro 2024, Real Madrid
