Thibaut Courtois will have no further contact with the Belgian national team for now. The Real Madrid goalkeeper was not selected by new coach Mark van Bommel for the recent international break. A month ago, the two agreed that Courtois would not join the squad, with Van Bommel traveling to Madrid to discuss the matter.

"I felt this first international window was demanding (with four matches)," Courtois told DAZN Belgium. "Then you have to reintegrate with your club immediately, and the matches come thick and fast. Italy, France, Turkey... these are big fixtures. It was a bit much for me at the moment, especially since I had two muscle injuries in a short period. Instead, I had a short week of rest. It also allowed me to recharge my batteries," he admitted, referencing recent physical issues.

Removed from the WhatsApp Group

Following a one-hour discussion in Madrid between the Dutch coach and the 34-year-old goalkeeper, it was decided that Courtois would not participate in all Nations League matches. "It was clearly stated that it wasn't a problem. Senne (Lammens) and Maarten (Vandevoordt) stepped up," the Madrid player revealed, though he kept the door open for a future return. "The coach can always call me; there's no issue. If I return for the Euro qualifiers, it will be up to him to decide who to field. Belgium doesn't lack goalkeepers," he conceded.

While he has not announced a definitive end to his international career, Courtois was temporarily removed from the national team's WhatsApp group. "It's mostly for general information about training. Occasionally, messages are sent, but not a huge amount," he said with a smile. This marks a renewed sense of optimism with the national team, after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to a disagreement with Domenico Tedesco. The 2026 World Cup was initially planned as his last, but the "Red Devil" indicated he "changed his mind during the competition." Discussions with coach Mark van Bommel also influenced his decision. "I think his philosophy aligns with mine," the two-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid concluded.