Real Madrid News
Real Madrid mainstay opens up on Eden Hazard’s retirement: “It was not a surprise”
Thibaut Courtois has been able to play no part in Real Madrid’s campaign so far after his ACL team early in pre-season.
He will likely miss the entirety of the campaign with Kepa Arrizabalaga stepping in as a deputy. Needless to say, the Belgian’s absence leaves a void that cannot be filled.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper interacted with RTBF Sport recently in an elaborate interview where he spoke in detail about the retirement of his long-time teammate and compatriot Eden Hazard.
“It was not a surprise. We went to eat together in September and I already felt that it was over in his head, when he received several offers. I just didn’t know when he was going to announce it,” he said, revealing that the announcement was pending for a long time.
Courtois went on to add a note on the Belgian winger’s impact on the world of football and a glorious career over the past decade.
“Naturally, it’s a bit of a shame (Hazard retiring) because Eden is a special player, it’s a shame that he is no longer a footballer. But it’s his choice. He had a long career, he started very early as a professional in Lille. So in the end he had a nice career,” he remarked.
“We must be happy with what he has done for our country and for the world of football,” he added.
Eden Hazard’s career went downhill after joining Real Madrid, and the winger never really picked himself up. Speaking about the turbulent end to a special career, Courtois said:
“It’s just a shame to see how the last years of Hazard’s career went. But sometimes it’s part of football. Small injuries are always a shame, for all players. I would have liked to see him play at Real Madrid like he did at Chelsea, but it’s part of football.”
The shot-stopper went on to praise Hazard for the person and player that he was and how he was a loved presence both on and off the field.
“Hazard is a great player, a great person, everyone loves him. That’s why I think everyone is a little disappointed that it didn’t go as we hoped at Real Madrid. But it’s part of the sport. I don’t think we can forget the player Eden Hazard.”
Courtois is one of the few players to have shared the dressing room with the now-retired star with Chelsea, Real Madrid, and the Belgian national yeam. Of the various versions of the player, he picked Hazard’s time at Chelsea as the player’s peak.
“Hazard of Chelsea and the national team was one of the best players in the world. We can’t forget that,” Courtois stated.
Concluding, the Real Madrid mainstay said: “I wish him all the best in this new stage of his life. As he is here, in Madrid, we stay close and see each other at the next Eden barbecue.”
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
