Real Madrid News
Courtois reiterates desire to retire at Real Madrid: ‘My dream is to continue for 4 or 5 more years’
Real Madrid have endured a difficult couple of seasons during which they have failed to win a single major trophy.
Many of their superstars have failed to perform at the standard expected during that period, but one of the few players who have proven themselves reliable and consistent was Thibaut Courtois.
The Belgian international, now one of the most senior members of the team, will look to lead the team back to success in the coming season under new manager Jose Mourinho.
Courtois wants to retire at Real Madrid
Currently at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Belgium, Courtois recently granted an interview to journalist Alberto Pereiro, during which he reaffirmed his desire to end his career at Real Madrid, after playing for another four of five years.
“My dream is to continue for 4 or 5 more years at Madrid. I’ve been there for 8 years and I want to end my career there,” Courtois said.
This was the second time in a couple of weeks that the 34-year-old shot-stopper had come out and stated his desire to retire at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Courtois also revealed that he had already renewed his contract with Real Madrid last year without anybody noticing it, saying:
“Last year I renewed and nobody noticed.”
What about his international career?
Meanwhile, Courtois also dropped a huge hint that his international career might be winding down.
The 34-year-old, who returned to the Belgium setup under Rudi Garcia after his falling out with former manager Domenico Tedesco, confirmed that this might be his final World Cup.
“This might be my last World Cup,” he said.
Courtois’ final World Cup with Belgium has been off to a disappointing start as they have played back-to-back draws against Egypt and Iran, with the goalkeeper managing a clean sheet in the latter contest.
The Red Devils play New Zealand in their final Group G encounter hoping to secure a victory and qualify for the knockout stages.
Courtois signed for Real Madrid back in 2018, arriving from Chelsea. Despite having had a rocky start, he has proven himself to be one of the best in the business. And whenever he decides to call time on his career, he will do so an absolute legend.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
