Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois "sad" at manner of Chelsea exit

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 08 September 2018

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reveals that his decision to join Real Madrid was made in March, only for the Blues to delay his £35m transfer.

Thibaut Courtois has admitted that he is upset about the backlash received from supporters since leaving Chelsea to join Real Madrid.

The Belgium international failed to report back to training following the World Cup and was eventually granted a £35m switch to the Bernabeu in August.

After spending seven seasons at Stamford Bridge - the first three of those on loan at Atletico Madrid - Courtois is "sad" that some Chelsea fans turned against him when pushing for a move away, citing a desire to be closer to his children in the Spanish capital.

"It makes me feel sad and obviously they don't know all the truth," he told Sky Sports News after Belgium's 4-0 win against Scotland on Friday evening. "I think in March the decision was already made and I thought the club would accept it. Then because the transfer was closed I did not show up because I thought it better not to disturb the team and the squad.

"If I did go there maybe, I didn't want to be toxic, so obviously it is a pity because I love Chelsea. I loved playing there and I am happy to have won two Premier Leagues, a League Cup and an FA Cup. Hopefully it will turn around.

"Obviously you get some things in the media like I said there was not enough quality at Chelsea. I never meant that. I just said maybe in training it goes a little bit faster but that is also the quality of Real Madrid - that is not saying Chelsea does not have quality. I will always look back with a happy feeling to Chelsea.

"I had a chance to go back to Spain to be closer to my kids. That was an important thing for me. I know that a lot of Chelsea fans will understand my decision. I wish them the best and I am happy to see that they have won their first four games and I hope they can go on and win the league."

Courtois made his competitive bow for Real in last weekend's 4-1 win against Leganes.