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20th June 2023
11:51am BST
Thibaut Courtois' fiancé has broken her silence on the ongoing situation between her husband to be and Belgium boss, Domenico Tedesco.
Reports on Monday claimed that the goalkeeper had failed to return to the Belgium camp on Sunday after being left furious by the decision to make Romelu Lukaku captain instead of him for their 1-1 draw against Austria on Saturday.
Speaking to the press on Monday, Tedesco rejected claims that he was injured, saying: "I wish I could say it's an injury, but I can't lie."
Courtois has insisted that his absence is as a result of a knee injury as Belgium prepare to face Estonia in their Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday night.
In a statement on his personal website, he said: "This afternoon I was surprised to hear the coach's press conference in which he gave a partial and subjective account of a private conversation we had after the match against Austria.
"I want to make it clear that it is not the first time or the last time that I talk to a coach about issues related to a locker room, but it is the first time that someone decides to tell it publicly.
"I am deeply disappointed with this, but I want to make it clear that the coach's assessments do not fit with reality."
He then added: "I insist that in no case have I demanded anything and that I have spoken to my team-mate Romelu Lukaku to clarify any circumstances relating to this situation.
"Furthermore yesterday afternoon I underwent a check-up for a problem in my right knee. The medical team of my club and the national team were in contact and reviewed all the corresponding material to make the decision to leave the training camp."
Other reports meanwhile have suggested that the Real Madrid 'keeper's recent actions are in relation to his upcoming marriage to Israeli supermodel Mishel Gerzig, which takes place next week.
Gerzig posted two messages of support to her fiancé on Instagram where one of the pictures featured Courtois' knee strapped up.
The first message said: "The strongest person I know. I am so proud of you," while the other defended the 31-year-old
"No one can take away the legendary player you are, the leader, the fighter," she wrote.
"You always put the team and the club in front of you eyes and give your 1000%. Even when you are in pain. You never give up.
"I'm sorry to hear all the rumours that are spread by people that just waited for the opportunity to put you down or hurt your name.
"Those people don't understand that you are the definition of high quality football.
"A player that plays from the heart and a supporting, stable rock to his team-mates.
"A true leader, a real legend. And legends never go down. By no one."
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