Belgium national team goalkeeper Koen Casteels stated that he is retiring from the national team due to the return of Thibaut Courtois.
Koen CasteelsAccording to Cadena SER, other players also expressed dissatisfaction with this decision by the federation and the return of the Real goalkeeper.
Casteels noted that he is outraged by the fact that Courtois himself decides when to play for the national team and when not to. He also expressed confusion regarding the federation's position: “If so, then any player can do whatever they want.”
Recall that Courtois refused to play for the national team in June 2023 when then head coach Domenico Tedesco stripped him of the captain's armband in favor of Romelu Lukaku.
“This contradicts the principles and values that should exist in team sports. I can no longer be part of an organization that supports such behavior,” Casteels stated.
It is also reported that several other players of the Belgium national team disagree with the federation's decision regarding Courtois's return, but their names are not currently disclosed.
On March 20, the Ukraine national team will play against Belgium in a Nations League playoff match for the right to be promoted to Division A.
