Courtois explains his Belgium break and puts Madrid first

Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid goalkeeper, broke down his Belgium break in an interview with Onda Cero during the international window. He said he agreed with coach Mark Van Bommel to sit out the Nations League so he could focus on the club.

The Belgian said his priority is the Madrid because “it’s to whom I owe everything,” and he wants to avoid arriving from a break tired—especially with the match against Villarreal in mind. He also described the conversation with Van Bommel, stressing that September brings an intense schedule and that the coach told him he couldn’t guarantee his spot if he returned.

Courtois also touched on his nine-year-old son playing in the Real Madrid youth ranks and spoke about Kylian Mbappé and the Ballon d’Or.