Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar says he is playing for the ‘best club in the world’
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has said that despite his history with Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, he considers Real Madrid the best team in the world.
Speaking in an interview with Vanity Fair where he spoke candidly about his professional and personal life, the stopper explained how he made his way to Real Madrid from Belgium.
“I am lucky to have played for great teams like Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, but Real Madrid is the best club in the world. Wherever you go, everyone recognises you and congratulates you if you have just won a title. It is another level,” said the keeper.
Courtois, who admitted that he decided to become a keeper due to the influence of former Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas, revealed that his during his initial years, he played as a defender.
“I started playing football when I was four years old. At eight, I was already a member of a good team. I was at defence and at 14 I hit the growth spurt and they put me under the sticks. Finally, at 16 came my first professional meeting.”
At some point, the towering keeper realised that if he wants to make the most of his talent, he must leave Belgium so when Atletico Madrid came calling in 2011, he did not have to think twice.
“Many people advised me to stay in Belgium, but I knew that if I wanted to grow professionally and personally, I must leave,” he added.
Courtois was also talked about his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, saying: “I get along well with Florentino. He’s the boss. He wants to win. I like his style, he’s very close. In the box, he always comes to chat with Mishel [Courtois’ partner], with the families of the rest of the players.”
Courtois also revealed that the likes of Federico Valverde, David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez are three players with whom he shares a close relationship at Real Madrid.
Furthermore, he added: “With the Brazilians, I laugh a lot, but they are very young and obviously, their interests off the pitch are different.”
Courtois recently withdrew from the Belgium national squad due to a fitness concern. However, upon returning to Madrid, he underwent tests which have revealed that there is no major issue and the goalkeeper will be available for the Merengues’ next game against Real Valladolid.
Real Madrid News
Harry Kane ‘very close’ to completing Real Madrid move, only final details remain – report
Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid was finally closed earlier today as officially confirmed by Borussia Dortmund on their website. Yet, the offices at Santiago Bernabeu have not even taken a break to celebrate their success.
According to reports from Alfredo Pedullà, Los Blancos are now completely focused on the acquisition of Harry Kane. The English striker’s arrival is very close to approaching closure and only a few details remain to be sorted.
The Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur representatives reportedly held a meeting today over the striker’s transfer. The agenda was to agree on a number for the transfer fee.
The Premier League side began the proceedings with an expectation of €100 to €110 million in exchange for Kane. However, the Merengues suggested a lower point at €80 to €90 million, albeit with the option to include bonuses.
There is not much separating the two parties at the moment, and the minor gap will be bridged in the coming days. Overall, the meeting ended with a broad understanding between the two clubs.
Carlo Ancelotti sees the English striker as the centre-piece of his attack for next season given the recent departure of Karim Benzema. After all, Kane has been one of football’s most consistent goalscorers over the past decade.
Yet, Los Blancos cannot afford to let their guard down with one signing and will need to rope in at least two more names in attack to serve as backup options. The exits of Mariano Diaz, Marco Asensio, and Eden Hazard leave them with no squad depth, after all.
Kane has scored 30, 17, and 23 goals in his last three seasons in the Premier League and is the epitome of consistency. Further, he had three assists in his most recent league season and created 14 big chances.
