Courtois reveals truth on Lukaku-Belgium fall-out

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 20 Jun 2023 12:43 BST
• 3 min read

Thibault Courtois has publicly contradicted Domenico Tedesco after walking out of the Belgium squad when Romelu Lukaku was made captain.

Kevin De Bruyne picked up an injury in Manchester City's recent Champions League final victory over Inter Milan, and in his absence, Belgium coach Tedesco had a decision to make about whom should be captain.

He chose Lukaku ahead of Courtois, and the Real Madrid goalkeeper left the camp soon after. Tedesco then spoke out about the spat, confirming that Lukaku was to be captain against Austria - against whom he scored - with Courtois getting the nod against Estonia.

READ: Lukaku causes Belgium HAVOC as Courtois QUITS over Big Rom spat

"It's important that he feels valued" Tedesco said.

But now Courtois has taken to his own official website to add further fuel to the fire.

Courtois undermines Tedesco

"This afternoon I was surprised to hear the coach's press conference in which he gave a partial and subjective account of a private conversation we had after the match against Austria," Courtois wrote.

"I want to make it clear that it is not the first time or the last time that I talk to a coach about issues related to a locker room, but it is the first time that someone decides to tell it publicly.

"I am deeply disappointed with this, but I want to make it clear that the coach's assessments do not fit with reality.

READ: Donnarumma: 'Courtois is the best goalkeeper in the world'

Courtois has been replaced in the squad by Strasbourg's Matz Sels, and has since dismissed claims he left because of the Lukaku decision, also citing injury.

"I insist that in no case have I demanded anything and that I have spoken to my teammate Romelu Lukaku to clarify any circumstances related to this situation…" he added.

"Furthermore, yesterday afternoon I underwent a check-up for a problem in my right knee. The medical team of my Club and the national team were in contact and reviewed all the corresponding material to make the decision to leave the training camp."