Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has had a dig at his former side Chelsea by stating that the standard is much higher at the European Champions.
The Belgian, who won the Golden Glove award at the World Cup, forced through a move to Los Blancos in August after a fall out with the Blues. Chelsea splashed out a world record fee of £71m on his replacement, Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao and he looks a good buy having only conceded three goals in Chelsea’s opening four games.
Courtois was offered a new mega long-term deal by Chelsea to stay at Stamford Bridge however, he told the London club that he would not be signing the deal as he moved into the last year of his current contract. That forced Chelsea’s hand as they did not want to lose him for a free next summer, so cashed in. Real Madrid will have thought they have got a bargain as they paid just £31m for one of the top keepers in world football.
The Belgian number one is clearly happy at Madrid but may have irritated a few Chelsea fans with his latest statement. He told German outlet Het Nieuwsblad: ‘In training, you see that the level at Real Madrid is high,’ said Courtois. ‘I am now experiencing on a daily basis that Ramos is the best centre-back in the world. The level at Real Madrid is higher than at Chelsea.’
A Cristiano Ronaldo-less Real Madrid have kicked off their league season with three wins on the trot and Thibaut Courtois made his debut this weekend in a 4-1 over Leganes. He was barely troubled throughout the game but could not prevent a penalty from Guido Carrillo in the first half ruining his clean sheet.
