New York: Belgium and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has indicated that he may retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup. Before facing Egypt in the first match of Group G in Seattle, USA, he spoke openly about the future of his international career. This statement of Courtois has come at a time when many senior players of Belgium's famous 'Golden Generation' like Kevin De Bruyne are in the last stages of their careers.
“I don't know whether to talk about the future right now,” Courtois said. But there is every possibility that after this tournament I may not continue playing for the national team. I want to play for a few more years at club level. For this I have to take more care of my body. My family has also come here with me now, because this could be my last World Cup.
However, Courtois has not ruled out even a small possibility of remaining in the team. He said, "If we have a great World Cup campaign and the atmosphere within the team also remains good, then maybe I will continue playing. After the tournament, I will take a final decision only after talking to the coach, technical director Vincent Manart and the medical team.
These words of Courtois have come at a time when the Belgian team is on the way to rebuild the team by including experienced players as well as young talent. Courtois has been Belgium's goaltender for over a decade since making his debut in 2011. He has played more than 100 matches for the country and has commanded the team in big tournaments.
Belgium is in the group with Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in this World Cup. Courtois's potential retirement could mark the end of a golden era for Belgian football, while also accelerating the pace of change for a new generation.
