Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco is adamant Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois quit the squad on the weekend.

Courtois, says Tedesco, took issue with him giving the captaincy to Romelu Lukau ahead of him for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Austria.

“Together we decided that Romelu would be captain against Austria and Thibaut tomorrow against Estonia," Tedesco said in a press conference today.

“That was OK for everyone but after the match he [Courtois] suddenly wanted to talk to me and said he was going home because he was disappointed and felt offended.

“From the beginning I tried to show him the appreciation he deserves. In my eyes he is the best goalkeeper in the world. I love him as a goalkeeper, but also as a human being. I am shocked."

Tedesco also denied claims Courtois had left the squad for treatment to a knee injury.

“I wish I could say it's an injury but I can't lie," Tedesco said. “I always try to protect players but that's impossible in this situation. I tried to tell him to hold on for two more days."