Thibaut Courtois explains his injury status after Belgium crash out of FIFA World Cup: ‘Lot of pain’ | OneFootball

Spain knocked Belgium out of the FIFA World Cup with a narrow 2-1 win last night, and the game followed a queerly similar pattern to their win over Portugal.

Just as he did against Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, Mikel Merino came off the bench and scored moments later, at the absolute death of the game to hand his side the win last night. It was heartbreaking for Belgium who warriored on the defensive but eventually fell just short.

Thibaut Courtois, needless to say, was the starting goalkeeper on the night and played a great 71 minutes but eventually went down in discomfort and was substituted off.

Courtois’ post-match interview

Real Madrid veteran Courtois spoke to the media via MARCA after Belgium’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup last night in what may well have been his last game for his country.

He began by providing an update on his fitness, especially given how he played most of the game in visible pain and was struggling to continue until he was eventually taken off.

Courtois was forced off in the second half. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

“I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps. But I had no problem with staying on track. The pain was only for long kicks,” he said.

“In the end, the manager decided to take me off, which is no problem, as the team is above everything,” he added.

When asked if this would be his final appearance in a Belgium shirt or if he would play for longer, Courtois elaborated on the condition under which he would be open to playing for a little longer.

“I want to rest for a year without any Belgium matches, and then play the EURO qualifiers and the 2028 EURO.”

“I don’t know if Belgium will agree to this,” he added, putting pressure on the federation.

Finally, the player admitted that he was excited about returning to Real Madrid and that there are no excuses to underperform this time around.

“Real Madrid have signed good players and a top manager. Now it’s up to us to respond.”

Much-needed rest now

Belgiun are out of the World Cup. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

As a 34-year-old still playing at the highest level, the hectic schedule for club and country over the past year has undoubtedly taken a toll on Courtois’ body.

The goalkeeper’s recent injury record is a testament that he must slow down and that rest is required now more than ever.

With Belgium’s elimination, Courtois’ season finally comes to an end and the player can look forward to at least three weeks of complete rest before he links up with Jose Mourinho for the new season at Real Madrid.

The club, after all, will want him to be fit, fresh and completely healed in time for the commencement of the new campaign.