NEWS | 09/08/2018
“Real Madrid is now my club and my home”, said the Belgian shot-stopper.“I’m coming into a club that has just won three Champions Leagues in a row and it’s important to keep winning all the trophies we can. I want to continue to add success to this club's history. Our challenge this season is to win every title available to us. We've got a great squad and I hope I can help the team to keep winning things”.
Offer
“A club like Real Madrid take notice of you if you’re playing well. I received a lot of offers, some better from a financial point of view, but I wanted to come here, and importantly, be close to my children. When there was a firm offer on the table, I was in no doubt. My goal was to come to Real Madrid, everyone knew that”.
A fan
“As a kid, there's always one club that stands out for you. In my case, I had immense admiration for Casillas, who was very young and took on a huge challenge. I had Iker's shirt, and when I was ten I went to watch an Anderlecht-Real Madrid match. When I saw Iker, I was amazed that an 18-year-old goalkeeper playing at the Santiago Bernabéu could display that kind of mental strength”.
Super Cup against Atlético
“The coach will decide if I play in the Super Cup. There isn't long to go, but if I have to play, I'm ready. I feel great, we'll have to wait and see. It'll be a beautiful game and I have the utmost respect for Atlético. I had a wonderful time there and now I'm thrilled to be starting out at Real Madrid, which, as of today, is my club and my home”.
Relationship between goalkeepers
“When I arrived at Chelsea I came in to replace Cech and I've still got a good relationship with him today. Us goalkeepers are a separate group within the squad and I'm going to do all I can to make sure we all get on well. I'm here to compete to the full, like everyone else, and try and help Real Madrid to win games and win titles”.
I'll give it my all for this badge.
“I've met Keylor, we've had a little chat. From what people have told me, he's a really great guy, and from a professional point of view, I consider him a fantastic goalkeeper as well. I come in with absolute respect and to compete at the top level”.
The number one spot
“Nobody has to give you guarantees that you're going to start. First things first, you have to show you deserve it in training. No team I've ever been at has made me such guarantees. I'd like to say Real Madrid have the best rear-guard in the world. I think I'm a great goalkeeper, as are Keylor, Casilla and Luca. The position is well covered”.
Development
“I was just a kid at Atlético. I've bulked up a bit in England and I've matured as well with the experience you gain from playing in the Premier League. The best years of my career are still to come”.
Ramos and La Décima
“That's the way football is. There's no problem there at all and now I'd love us to win a Champions League together”.
The past
“I got carried away in the moment when celebrating with Atlético. I'd like to apologise for that, it was a youthful indiscretion. I will give it my all for the Real Madrid badge”.
Chelsea
“All I'd like to do is to thank the fans for the last four years and for how they've supported me at Chelsea. I've got a new opportunity in my career now and I have to make the most of it. I've got two kids here and that had a significant role to play in my decision”.
Hazard
“He's a wonderful player. I'd love to play alongside him again and we'll have to see what happens in the future. If he ends up here one day, that would be brilliant”.
Butragueño: “This is your new home”
“It's a pleasure to welcome Thibaut Courtois. This is your new home and we'll do all we can to make you feel settled here. You arrive having had an extraordinary career already and we fully believe you will enjoy a hugely successful spell here. We're delighted to have you with us. Welcome”.