Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is looking forward to returning to Stamford Bridge ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash against Chelsea.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has opened up on his feelings as he gears up to return to Stamford Bridge, with Los Blancos set to face Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid were drawn against the reigning European champions for the Champions League quarter-final, with the first leg of the tie set to be played out this week at Stamford Bridge.
Courtois spent several years at Chelsea and achieved a lot of success before signing for Real Madrid in 2018. His move to the Spanish capital did not leave the best impression on the Blues’ supporters.
It will be the second time in two years that Courtois will be returning to west London after Real Madrid were drawn against Chelsea in the UCL semi-finals last term. However, the game was played out in an empty stadium back then, which will not be the case this time around.
This week we’ll go back to Chelsea for the Champions League quarter finals ⚽️ It’s always something special to play against your former team, I’m looking forward to it! #CL
TIP: You can go to https://t.co/8cGGx9XksZ to watch more pic.twitter.com/jkTooYB3xo
— Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) April 4, 2022
And the 29-year-old Belgian international insisted that he was looking forward to going back to his old home. Courtois insisted that he was not expecting any applause from the fans. But he did add that he hoped the Chelsea supporters do not end up booing him.
“I hope it’s a happy return to Stamford Bridge. We’re now rivals. They’ll want to win and the same goes for me too and so I’m not expecting any applause from the fans. I hope that they don’t boo me, but you never know. I’m prepared for whatever comes and we’ll have to see how it goes. I’m happy to be returning there with fans in the stands because last year when we played them the stadium was empty,” he said.
Courtois also spoke about his desire to lift the Champions League trophy with Real Madrid, saying, “I’ve won many trophies, but the Champions League is the biggest in club football and I haven’t won it yet. It would obviously be very special for me to win it before I retire. I’ve still got time. I’ll keep on trying to follow my dreams and the Champions League is one of them. The adventure continues.”
Courtois made 154 appearances for Chelsea during his time in London. Since arriving at Real Madrid, he has racked up 172 appearances and has grown into a pivotal player in the team after a difficult debut season. He will be hoping for a happy return to his former club this week.
