Courtois puts Belgium career on hold until September 2027

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Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said in quotes published on Wednesday he has decided to put his Belgium career on standby until September 2027.

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The 34-year-old made the last of his 115 international appearances at this summer’s World Cup but will only return to the Red Devils set-up for Euro 2028 qualifiers next year.

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The Real Madrid ‘keeper will miss the upcoming Nations League campaign under new boss Mark Van Bommel starting with a game against Italy on September 25.

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Van Bommel told Courtois beforehand he was unable to guarantee him the starting No. 1 shirt.

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“I have made the choice not to play the entire Nations League campaign with the Red Devils,” Courtois told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws after Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League win over Inter Milan on Tuesday.

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“Unless the national coach runs into injury problems; then I can be called up exceptionally,” he added.

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Options for Van Bommel in goal in Courtois’ absence include Manchester United’s 24-year-old Senne Lammens and Chelsea’s 21-year-old Mike Penders.

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“I am making myself available again for the European Championship qualifiers,” Courtois said.

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“If the goalkeeper playing in the Nations League performs well, Van Bommel might continue with him.

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“However, I want to fight for my place. I want to prove that I can be the first-choice keeper again,” Courtois added.

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AFP

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