CORNERFLICK
Thibaut Courtois has said he is more likely to retire from Belgium duty after the World Cup than carry on. The 34-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper spoke about his future in both club and international football in an interview.
Courtois said he wants to keep playing at the highest level for as long as possible, but believes the time may be right to make way for the next generation. He added that the players coming through are ready.
The Belgian pointed to the serious knee injury he suffered in the summer of 2023 as a turning point in how he thinks about his career. He said the injury and the recovery period made him focus more on his body and long-term future.
Courtois also said his ideal end to his career would be at Real Madrid. On his contract, he said Madrid usually renew deals year by year once players are past 30, and suggested a new agreement would not be complicated if he keeps performing at his current level. He added that it is natural for the club to think about a successor at some point.