Courtois hints at Belgium comeback after World Cup heartbreak

Thibaut Courtois has signalled he may reconsider his decision to retire from international football, opening the door to a return to the Belgium squad despite the team's World Cup quarter-final exit to Spain.

Courtois was substituted in the 71st minute of the quarter-final clash after experiencing discomfort in his knee and thigh, with coach Rudi Garcia opting to withdraw the 34-year-old goalkeeper as a precaution. The veteran shot-stopper was forced to watch from the bench as Belgium's World Cup campaign came to an end.

Courtois had previously indicated he was considering walking away from international duty during the tournament, but has now hinted at a change of heart.

"I've already said I want a calm year and want to focus on getting fully fit," the Real Madrid goalkeeper said. "Senne Lammens, Mike Penders or Maarten [Vandevoordt] can play during the Nations League. If Belgium accepts that, I'm ready to continue playing for the national team."

Courtois did not hide his frustration at being substituted in such a high-stakes match. "It was hard to leave the pitch in such an important game. I was feeling good in the second half and made a few important saves. In a match like that, you obviously want to stay on," he said.

He explained that he had felt pain at the front of his thigh while taking a goal kick and informed the coaching staff, though he remained ready to continue playing in goal. "I could have stayed on the post. But the coach said, 'If you're not a hundred percent fit, you'll be substituted.' I wanted to play, but in the end he decided to take me off. The team comes first," Courtois said.

Belgium will begin their UEFA Nations League campaign against Italy on September 25.