Many were surprised to see Thibaut Courtois named in Real Madrid’s starting line-up for the Champions League final despite not being selected by Belgium for Euro 2024.
The already legendary goalkeeper was picked over Andriy Lunin, despite the Ukrainian leading the side to the final against Borussia Dortmund.
That part is easier to explain, Lunin was taken ill in the build-up to the final, simplifying Carlo Ancelotti’s choice to pick the recently returned Courtois.
However, with the Belgian clearly fit and firing after a long-term ACL injury, it would be natural for him to star for his country in Germany for the European championships.
The reason he wasn’t included is more complex, though, as things still haven’t simmered down after his open attack on Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco in December.
The Real Madrid keeper went after the Red Devils manager in a shock interview on December 18 while still injured.
The pair clashed over the captaincy of Belgium with Kevin De Bruyne named Tedesco’s next full-time captain in the summer of 2023, with Courtois deputising alongside Romelu Lukaku.
The world-class goalkeeper could just about stomach being a vice-captain, but when Lukaku was given the armband for his 100th national game and there was no celebration, Courtois had had enough.
He withdrew from the team’s following matches, something he’s since apologised for, but insisted he won’t feature at Euro 2024.
However, Courtois has now recovered well ahead of schedule and is clearly fit enough to play at Euro 2024. That won’t happen though, something Tedesco attempted to explain in March.
Asked about a potential recall, Tedesco said: “There’s no new information.
“First and foremost, it is of course good news that Thibaut is back on the training field. That’s good for him and for Real Madrid. I hope he is fit as soon as possible. That is the most important thing
“He communicated openly and in a timely manner [that he won’t play at Euro2024]. That’s fair of him – that way everyone knew where he stood. We have chosen with the information we have. I don’t think there is any news now.
“I have tried everything, absolutely everything [to get him back].”
Rather awkwardly, though, Courtois disagreed, replying to a video of Tedesco’s interview on Twitter with a series of Pinocchio lying emojis.
Despite three months passing since that public interaction, tensions have not been mended between the pair, and Courtois was not named in Tedesco’s squad for the tournament.
It’s a sad end with Belgium likely waving goodbye to what’s left of their ‘Golden Generation’ but fans will have to wait a bit longer – or for a different coach – if they’re to say farewell to Courtois any time soon.
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