Courtois: Chelsea fans’ hate makes me sad

Posted Monday, September 10, 2018 by squawka.com

Thibaut Courtois has revealed that he's been left saddened by the vitriol directed at him since leaving Chelsea.

The 26-year-old Belgian goalkeeper swapped Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid this summer, thus ending a seven-year association with the west London club.

Since completing his move, after making it clear he wanted out, Courtois has become public enemy number one among Chelsea's fanbase but the shot-stopper - who is upset with the way things have turned out - believes they'd feel different by knowing the full story.

"It makes me feel sad and obviously they don't know all the truth," he told Sky Sports.

"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."

Courtois had one year remaining on his contract at Chelsea, and pushed for a move to Madrid in order to be with his children who live with their mother in the Spanish capital.

And despite the ill-will from some parts of the Chelsea fanbase, Courtois hopes his former club can push to win the Premier League this season.

"I will always look back with a happy feeling to Chelsea," he added. "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."

The Blues will look to push for a fifth consecutive win at the start of the new Premier League season when they take on Cardiff City on September 15.

Thibaut the Blue

Courtois initially joined the Blues from Belgian side KRC Genk in 2011 but was immediately loaned to Atletico Madrid, where he enjoyed a three-season spell, winning a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, Europa League and a European Super Cup.

He returned to the Bridge ahead of the 2014/15 season, and immediately won the Premier League with the Blues. He went on to make 154 appearances for the club, securing another league title, an FA Cup and a League Cup.

Across those matches, the Belgian international managed to keep 58 clean sheets, while conceding 152 goals (or once every 90.8 minutes).