The 34-year-old had said ‌after the World Cup that ‌he may stop playing for Belgium ‌or seek a rest this season, skipping the Nations ‌League where Belgium are grouped ⁠with ‌France, Italy, Turkey and play six ​matches over the next three months.

He told reporters ​after Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Inter Milan in the ⁠Champions ​League on Tuesday that new Belgium coach Mark van Bommel understands his decision.

"I will remain ‌available for the European Championship qualifying campaign with the national team, and I understand that I will have to fight for my place just like the other goalkeepers," he told Belgian daily Het Laatste ‌Nieuws.

“Physically, I don't know if ​I can maintain the ‌same schedule for another four years."

The first qualifiers for the 2028 European Championship are scheduled for March next ⁠year.