Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stated that he has chosen to put his Belgium career on hold until September 2027, in statements released on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old will only rejoin the Red Devils squad for the Euro 2028 qualifiers the following year after making the final of his 115 international appearances in this summer’s World Cup.
Under new manager Mark Van Bommel, the Real Madrid “keeper” will miss the forthcoming Nations League season, which begins on September 25 against Italy.
Van Bommel informed Courtois in advance that he couldn’t promise him the starting No. 1 shirt.
Following Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday, Courtois informed the Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, “I have chosen not to play the entire Nations League campaign with the Red Devils.”
“I can be called up exceptionally unless the national coach has injury issues,” he continued.
Senne Lammens, 24, of Manchester United, and Mike Penders, 21, of Chelsea, are options for Van Bommel in goal in Courtois’ absence.
Courtois declared, “I am making myself available again for the European Championship qualifiers.”
Van Bommel may keep the goalie in the Nations League if he does well.
But I want to fight for my position. Courtois continued, “I want to show that I can be the first-choice goalkeeper once more.
