Thibaut Courtois has clear message for national team coach Mark van Bommel: ‘If he wants to do that, no hard feelings’

Thibaut Courtois was absent from the Belgium squad for national team coach Mark van Bommel's debut, but the door remains wide open for his return. He will not necessarily be first-choice goalkeeper again.

Speaking to DAZN, the 34-year-old goalkeeper said: "I was perhaps thinking about retiring after the World Cup. But I have to say this World Cup was one of the best tournaments I have experienced with the Red Devils. It was a great group."

During the most recent international break, Courtois remained a Belgium international but sat out to rest his body. He declined to play in the Nations League matches against France, Italy and Turkey. "I had said I wanted to rest," Courtois said.

"I found that first international break very busy. From what I heard from the players, they did too. After that, you have to go straight back to your club and the matches come thick and fast. Italy, France, Turkey… Those are difficult matches. At that point it was a bit too much, especially as I had suffered two muscle injuries in a short space of time. I had a week's rest here and was able to recharge my batteries."

According to Courtois, Van Bommel had absolutely no problem with his decision. "He made it clear that my absence was not a problem. Senne (Lammens, ed.) and Maarten (Vandevoordt, ed.) did well. If I return for the European Championship qualifiers, it is up to him to decide whom he wants to pick."

When he returns, Courtois does not expect to start automatically. "I have never joined the national team expecting to play no matter what. Of course, I know my qualities and know I can be important. But competition is always good."

"Nobody has to guarantee me a starting place. If Senne Lammens, Maarten Vandevoordt or Mike Penders do well and he would rather play them, no hard feelings. In any case, we have no shortage of goalkeepers in Belgium," he concluded.