By Gwurld4026 
Casteels Bids Farewell to International Football Career
Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels has announced his retirement from international football following the reinstatement of Thibaut Courtois to the national team. Courtois had previously stepped down due to disputes with former coach Domenico Tedesco over the team captaincy.
Casteels, who assumed the starting goalkeeper role during Courtois’ absence, expressed dissatisfaction with the Belgian Football Association’s decision to welcome Courtois back, stating it contradicts his principles regarding team sports and organizational conduct.
Casteels highlighted that many players share his concerns about Courtois’ return, suggesting internal disagreements within the team. Courtois, now under the guidance of new coach Rudi García, explained that his initial departure stemmed from a lack of appreciation and unresolved issues with the federation and coach, beyond the captaincy dispute.
Casteels’ international career includes participation in the UEFA Euro 2024, where he played every minute for Belgium in Courtois’ absence. At the club level, after a notable tenure with VfL Wolfsburg, Casteels transferred to Al-Qadisiyah in Saudi Arabia for the 2024/25 season.