Nottingham Forest star Matz Sels decided to quit the Belgian national team despite a long conversation with manager Mark van Bommel about his international future.
Het Laatste Niuews report that the 34-year-old has decided to quit international football despite Va Bommel’s best efforts.
Sels held a productive conversation with the new Belgium manager regarding his status in the continued absence of Thibaut Courtois. But he’s decided to call it quits after what happened in the summer.
The goalkeeper had expected to be a part of Rudi Garcia’s squad for the World Cup. He had played five times under the manager and, including his impressive displays for Nottingham Forest, looked a shoe in for the group.
Instead, Garcia elected to drop him at the last minute in favour of Chelsea youngster Mike Penders. Garcia only called the Nottingham Forest goalkeeper to relay that decision just hours before the announcement.
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper left bewildered
The Nottingham Forest goalkeeper received no detailed explanation as to why. He was ‘left bewildered’ by the choice. And the experience ultimately left a mark. He had not expected to be left out, given he’s a regular for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
He had also been convinced by Belgium to continue when Koen Casteels stepped away. In other words, they had made it seem like he was a part of their long-term plans. Instead, they left him out at the last minute.
There’s also an issue with Courtois. He won’t play in the Nations League but will be available for major tournaments. That means someone will miss out again in future. Sels is no longer willing to take the risk. His focus is now on Nottingham Forest entirely.
Van Bommel had tried to convince him otherwise. He sounded out the goalkeeper and was open to the idea of including him. The pair held an extensive conversation about Sels’ international future and status.
That conversation was a good one, HLN say productive, but Sels decided against returning. For him, old wounds still seemingly hurt too much and he’s ready to move on.
‼️ Marinakis Watch: Nottingham Forest owner on hiring and firing spree in Greece
➡️ Addresses players himself
➡️ Manager and recruitment staff changed
💬 “We consider all of them members of our family; the friendship and mutual respect that developed remain forever.“This…
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) September 11, 2026
