Belgium No.1 quits over Courtois return, claims 'players disagree' with comeback

Koen Casteels, who had assumed the role as the Red Devils' No.1 after Courtois refused to play, has also withdrawn himself from selection for his country's upcoming Nations League matches.

Real Madrid's Courtois is considered by many as the best goalkeeper on the planet, and Belgium were left hamstrung for all of 2024, including the European Championships, after he refused to play.

In a bombshell interview in December 2023, the former Chelsea man attacked manager Domenico Tedesco for picking Kevin De Bruyne over him as captain, and then, on his 100th appearance, giving fellow vice-captain Romelu Lukaku the armband.

Tedesco was sacked in January amid a five-game winless run and dismal Euro 2024 campaign, and Courtois has since announced that he's available to play after discussions with new coach Rudi Garcia.

Responding to Madrid man's announcement on the MidMid Podcast, Casteels, who is currently playing in Saudi for Al-Qadsiah after a nine-year stint at Wolfsburg, went on the attack.

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"First of all, I find it strange that Courtois has decided to return on his own and I find it strange that the federation has changed its mind," he began.

"For me, we are all equal, no player is above the team. That was the case at the beginning, but now the federation has rolled out the red carpet for him.

"I recently heard him say about Tedesco's dismissal that it shows that he was right. For me, that shows little sense of guilt."

Courtois recently announced his return on multiple podcasts, including Rio Ferdinand's.

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He also said that after discussions with Garcia, he was convinced the new coach is a 'winner', something many interpreted as a dig at Tedesco.

Casteels played every minute at Euro 2024, and despite Belgium putting in a poor show, he was part of the reason they made it to the last 16, conceding one goal before another in a 1-0 knockout against France.

Since then, though, it's only got worse, with four defeats from six in the Nations League leaving them nine points off leaders Italy and France.

Casteels now won't take part in the remainder of the competition, continuing on Courtois: "This does not conform to the standards and values ​​that I consider appropriate for a team sport. I cannot be part of an organisation that approves this type of behaviour.

"As of today I am no longer available for the national team. I cannot go to the national team with a clear conscience.

"There are many players who do not agree. I am curious about what they will say. It was not just about that incident between Courtois and Tedesco, other things were said that hurt me."

Courtois' last Belgium appearance was on June 17, 2023, and his first matches back will be against Ukraine in a Nations League play-off on March 20 and 23.

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