Shock sabbatical! Courtois rules himself out of Belgium squad ahead of France clash

Thibaut Courtois has taken a dramatic step back from international duty with Belgium.

Details: Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will not take part in Belgium's upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures and will subsequently miss the highly anticipated clash against France. The decision was officially finalized following a direct conversation between the 34-year-old shot-stopper and national team head coach Mark van Bommel.

During their discussions, the veteran goalkeeper formally informed the coach of his desire to take an indefinite sabbatical from his international career. Rather than an outright retirement, Courtois is opting to rest his body and focus solely on his demanding club commitments in Spain.

Van Bommel, who took the managerial reins of the Red Devils looking to bring stability to the camp, respected Courtois' personal choice and decided not to force the issue ahead of the pivotal European encounters.

It is worth noting that according to Transfermarkt, the 34-year-old Belgian goalkeeper's current market value stands at €15 million.

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