Thibaut Courtois reflects on absence from Belgium NT – ‘I felt no respect’ | OneFootball

After almost two years, Real Madrid superstar Thibaut Courtois is back in the Belgium squad, following a change in managers.

The 32-year-old shot-stopper left the Belgium squad in June 2023 following a dispute with then-manager Domenico Tedesco and

Now, with Rudi Garcia in charge, he has been recalled to the Red Devils squad as they gear up to take on Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League.

Courtois ready to move forward

Courtois, returning to the squad after 638 days, spoke to the media today and cleared the air about his comeback into the national team setup.

“When I arrived at the training centre in Tubize on Monday, it was good to speak to the players and clarify everything because a lot of false things were said. Now I feel relieved,” the Real Madrid goalkeeper said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Back in the Belgium setup. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Reflecting on the past, Courtois admitted he made mistakes but emphasised the difficult period he was going through, saying:

“Mentally, I was struggling. I had a very long season (2022-23), with injuries. I felt there were issues with the coach.”

In June 2023, he left the team camp frustrated after not being named captain for the 1-1 draw against Austria – a Euro 2024 qualifier and his 100th appearance for Belgium.

Regarding the controversy against Austria, Courtois was direct, saying:

“I felt no respect towards me. The coach never came to see me. I had never experienced that in 16 years. I exploded at that moment because I did not understand it. And because I am a winner, with a strong character….”

Courtois also spoke positively about the appointment of Rudi Garcia, expressing “a good feeling” about the French coach, who took over in January with the primary goal of keeping Belgium in Nations League Group A.

Belgium will face Ukraine on Thursday in Murcia, playing on neutral ground in the first leg of the Nations League play-offs.