THIBAUT has revealed he wants to take a year-long break from international football after his heartbreaking injury in Belgium’s World Cup exit to Spain.
The No1 was forced off in tears during the second half of after suffering a quadriceps injury.
Thibaut Courtois wants to take a year-long hiatus from international football Credit: REUTERS
Courtois came off injured in Belgium’s 2-1 knockout defeat to Spain in the quarter-finals of the World Cup Credit: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock
Courtois had produced a string of fine saves to keep his side in the contest before disaster struck in the 71st minute.
The 34-year-old pulled up clutching his left thigh after launching a long goal kick and initially tried to continue before signalling to the bench that he could no longer take goal kicks.
boss Rudi Garcia opted not to take any risks and replaced his captain with backup keeper .
A visibly emotional Courtois walked off the pitch in tears, knowing his World Cup campaign had come to a premature end.
His withdrawal proved a huge turning point as Belgium’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals were dashed late on.
Lammens, who enjoyed an impressive debut campaign with last season, spilled Pau Cubarsi’s late effort in the 88th minute, allowing Mikel Merino to pounce and fire into the last four.
Speaking after the match, Courtois admitted the injury left him with little choice but to come off.
He said: “I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps. I could have stayed in goal, but the coach told me he would sub me off if I didn’t feel 100 per cent. The team comes before everything.”
The veteran stopper also revealed he is considering stepping away from international duty for the next year to focus on his fitness.
Courtois said: “I want to rest for a year without any Belgium matches. Then I want to play in the Euro qualifiers and Euro 2028. I don’t know if Belgium will agree to this.”
The goalkeeper’s comments raise doubts over whether the legendary shot-stopper has already played his final international tournament match, sparking a furious backlash for demanding a year away from international duty right after his country’s World Cup exit.
Pundit , only for fans to instantly turn on the former midfielder for his controversial remarks.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid now await the results of medical scans ahead of the new domestic season.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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