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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admitted to being “relieved” after having the chance to explain his Belgium boycott in front of the squad.
Courtois made himself unavailable for the Red Devils after being overlooked for the captaincy by previous boss Domenico Tedesco in June 2023.
That stance saw him miss Euro 2024 but he is back in the reckoning now after Tedesco’s departure and the appointment of Rudi Garcia.
And Courtois has taken the opportunity to hold clear-the-air talks with his team-mates.
“When I arrived [at the training centre], it was good to be able to speak in front of the players because a lot of false things have been said,” Courtois told reporters on Tuesday.
“A lot of incorrect or incomplete information that some players may have read in the press, which was not always accurate. I think I was able to explain the how, what and why.
“And they were also able to ask questions. And also that I could perhaps better understand why some players did have more difficulties with it.
“They were maybe disappointed that I did not help the group to achieve a good result at the European Championship. So, in the end, all of that has been discussed. I think now we just have to look ahead to what the future will bring.”
Focus on the future. 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/U7yvX22xDo
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) March 18, 2025
I made mistakes – Courtois
He added: ”Let’s not talk about it anymore. I’m relieved…
“I made mistakes. I was probably going through a difficult period mentally. I’d had a long, hard season [in 2023] with injuries. I felt there were problems with the coach.”
In explaining those problems, Courtois, who is having another excellent season at Madrid, said he felt disrespected by Italian Tedesco.
“I didn’t feel any respect,” he said. “The coach never came to see me. I’d never seen that in 16 years. I exploded at that moment because I didn’t understand.”
Courtois part of Garcia’s plans to get Belgium back on track
Courtois is set to start when Belgium face Ukraine in a Nations League relegation playoff over this international break.
And then Belgium will aim to secure qualification for the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Despite a talented squad, Belgium have underperformed at recent tournaments.
They crashed out of the World Cup in 2022 at the group stage under Roberto Martinez before Tedesco led them to the last 16 at Euro 2024.