Courtois ‘owes a lot to Spain’

Thibaut Courtois reveals he “owes a lot to Spain” and that his family still reside in Madrid after his three-year spell with Atletico.

Courtois won a Europa League, Copa del Rey and La Liga title with Atleti between 2011 and 2014, and he claims his experiences at the Vicente Calderon have helped him believe he is “among the best” goalkeepers in the world.

“Madrid? Sometimes I come here to visit my family, who are in Madrid. Here, I can enjoy the good weather and the food, but it’s also good in London, except for the weather,” the Chelsea man told Cadena COPE.

“When I go down the streets, they still call for me a lot. They miss me and I like that they recognise what I’ve done. I owe a lot to Spain.

“Atleti’s good run of goalkeepers? I don’t think it's a coincidence. De Gea came through their youth system. Now he’s more formed than when he was a child.

“With Oblak and I, their scouts have been good at taking risks on young goalkeepers because Atleti are a great club and that puts a lot of pressure on you. The three of us have done well.

“Oblak, De Gea and Courtois, the three best goalkeepers? You can’t forget Neuer or Buffon. I consider myself among the best.

“I was at Atletico for three years and I feel Rojiblanco, but ultimately, when making football decisions, I don’t think you can let yourself be influenced by things from the past. You have to look at yourself first and see what’s most important.”

Tags Chelsea Spain Thibaut Courtois
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