'I am no longer available' - Belgium No.1 Koen Casteels quits national team in protest against 'red carpet' Thibaut Courtois return

Having previously clashed repeatedly with former manager Dominic Tedesco - with Courtois reportedly angered by the decision to make Romelu Lukaku Belgium's captain instead of him - the Real Madrid shot-stopper has not played for his national team since June 2023. However, the appointment of Rudi Garcia has opened a pathway to an international return for Courtois, and Koen Casteels, the man who has filled in as No.1, is not happy about the decision to "roll out the red carpet" for him.

Casteels, who plays his club football for Saudi outfit Al-Qadsiah, told the Belgian podcast MidMid: "It's strange that the football association has turned 180 degrees and is rolling out the red carpet and welcoming him back with open arms... I think it's a bit strange that Courtois can decide for himself whether he can come back. It is not so much towards Thibaut, but mainly towards the football association. That does not fit in with the standards and values that I have about what a team sport or a sporting organisation should have. As of today, I am no longer available [for the national team]."

Casteels' decision to rule himself out of selection due to Courtois' return may come as a shock to new Belgium boss Garcia, although he'll be relieved about his recent conversations with the Madrid keeper, which reportedly went well. Having Courtois between the sticks is a huge boost; the two-time Champions League winner is considered one of the best goalkeepers on the planet and at the age of 31 he still has a key role to play during a transitional period for Belgium.

With Courtois back in goal, Belgium will now prepare for an important international break coming up later this month. Garcia's side is scheduled to face Ukraine twice in back-to-back UEFA Nations League games, one on Thursday 20 March and the other on Sunday 23 March. Their new manager will be desperate to make a strong start to his tenure.