Thibaut Courtois, the goalkeeper of the Belgian national football team, has expressed readiness to continue his international career, but wishes to take a break in the coming months. Courtois, who was substituted in a controversial decision during the 2-1 loss to Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday, stated during the tournament that he was considering retiring from international football. However, the 34-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper, who has earned 115 caps since his debut in 2011, is now prepared to stay with the national team if his match schedule is lightened. He said in press remarks on Saturday: '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, Senne Lammens, Mike Penders, or Matz Vandevoort can play,' referring to potential alternatives. Courtois, who was substituted due to feeling a twinge in his leg during the Spain match, and saw how his replacement Lammens let the ball slip from his hands, allowing Spain to score the winning goal in the 88th minute, explained: 'If Belgium accepts that, I am ready to continue.' He added: 'It's a shame I had to come 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 continued: 'But I took two goal kicks, and on the second I felt pain in the quadriceps muscle. I told them I could no longer take long goal kicks, and I could have stayed, but the coach said if I wasn't fully fit, he would substitute 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: 'It's unfortunate, of course, that Senne couldn't hold on to the ball. But that's the game. I went to hug him. There isn't much you can say in a moment like that.' He added: 'It's just bad luck, but Senne is an excellent goalkeeper. He has a bright future ahead, and moments like these make you stronger. He shouldn't be blamed for it. It's part of the game.' Belgium begins its UEFA Nations League campaign against Italy in Rome on September 25.