Thibaut Courtois Returns to Belgium Squad: A New Chapter in International Football

Belgium's star goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has made a significant return to the national squad after a period of absence. The 32-year-old Real Madrid player, who last played for Belgium in 2023, is set to feature in the upcoming Nations League play-off against Ukraine under the new management of Rudi Garcia.

Courtois' return follows a fallout with former Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco, which led to his departure from a Euro 2024 qualifying training camp. Reflecting on the past, Courtois admitted to handling the situation poorly and has since taken steps to clarify matters with his teammates.

"There were a lot of misunderstandings, half-truths, so I was able to explain what happened," Courtois stated. "The team-mates were able to ask their questions. I'm relieved that we were able to talk everything out. Everything is clear and now we're looking ahead."

Courtois also addressed the rumors surrounding his departure, particularly the speculation that he left due to being overlooked for the captaincy. "A lot had been written that I left because I didn't get the captain's armband, but that's not true. That's the biggest disinformation," he clarified.

Despite the challenges, Courtois expressed his hope for fan acceptance and support. "I understand it was hard for the fans at the time. I hope that they can accept me again. I understand it's not easy, but I hope that they will support the team."

Belgium and Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans emphasized the importance of Courtois' explanations. "The most important thing is that he realises that some things went down badly with the group of players, but he said that he had not meant it that way," Tielemans noted.

As Belgium prepares for their next international fixtures, Courtois' return marks a new chapter for the team, with hopes of stronger performances and renewed fan support.