Thibaut Courtois, Belgium goalkeeper, has expressed readiness to continue his international career, but he wants to take a break from playing for his national team in the coming months.

Courtois, who was substituted in a controversial decision during the World Cup quarter-final on Friday, which Belgium lost 2-1 to Spain, had stated during the tournament that he was considering retiring from international football.

However, the 34-year-old goalkeeper, who has played 115 international matches since his debut in 2011, is now ready to stay with the national team if a lighter match schedule is guaranteed.

He said: 'I already indicated that I want a quieter year, where I can stay in Madrid during the Nations League to focus on recovery. That way, Seny (Lammens) or Mike (Penders) or Martin (Vandevoort) could play,' referring to potential alternatives.

Courtois, who was substituted due to a twinge in his leg during the Spain match, and saw how his replacement Lammens fumbled the ball, allowing Spain to score the winning goal in the 88th minute, said: 'If Belgium accepts that, I will be ready to continue.'

He added: 'It's a shame to have to go off in such a special match. I felt very good in the second half and made some saves. You want to stay on the pitch in moments like these.'

He explained to reporters: 'But I took two goal kicks, and on the second I felt pain in my quadriceps. I told them I could no longer take long goal kicks.'

He added: 'I could have stayed in goal, but the coach (Rudi Garcia) said: "If you aren't fully fit, I'll substitute you." That's why I initially wanted to continue playing, but the coach decided to replace me. No problem with that. The team comes first, of course.'

Courtois expressed sympathy for the 24-year-old Lammens, who bore part of the blame for Belgium's loss.

Courtois said: 'It's a shame, of course, that Seny couldn't hold onto the ball. But that's football. I went to hug him. There isn't much you can say in a moment like this.'

He added: 'It's just bad luck, but Seny is an excellent goalkeeper. He has a bright future, and moments like these make you stronger. He shouldn't be blamed for it. That's part of the game.'

Belgium begins its Nations League campaign against Italy in Rome on September 25.