Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says he is upset about Chelsea fans following the backlash he received from supporters since leaving the Blues.
After being heavily linked with a move to Madrid, Courtois was finally allowed to leave the Blues where he completed his switch to the Los Blancos in a reported fee of £35m. The Belgian did not report back to training after World Cup as he was pushing for a move back to Spain.
After spending seven seasons at Stamford Bridge – the first three of those on loan at Atletico Madrid – Courtois is “sad” that some Chelsea fans turned against him when pushing for a move away, citing a desire to be closer to his children in the Spanish capital.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, “It makes me feel sad and obviously they don’t know all the truth. 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 made his competitive bow for Real Madrid in last weekend’s 4-1 win against Leganes.