Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois saddened by Chelsea fans' criticism

The shot-stopper sealed a permanent move back to the Spanish capital in the summer.

Thibaut Courtois' £35m move to Real Madrid this summer has not gone down well with Chelsea fans. The ex-Atletico Madrid and Blues shot-stopper is getting heavily criticized for securing a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Courtois was signed by Chelsea ahead of the 2011-12 season for £8m. After spending three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid, the Belgian became a regular member for the Blues starting lineup.

Speaking in a recent interview, the Belgian revealed that he was sad about the reaction he is getting from Chelsea fans, following his move to Real Madrid and in the way that the move happened. Courtois opted out of training with the Stamford Brridge outfit, following the World Cup which triggered Blues fans even more.

"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."

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He also clarified his recent statements where he claimed that the facilities at Real Madrid are better than those at Chelsea, saying that he never meant to disrespect the Stamford Bridge side.

"Obviously you get some things in the media like I said there was not enough quality at Chelsea, I never meant that. I just said maybe in training it goes a little bit faster, but that is also the quality of Real Madrid - that is not saying Chelsea does not have quality," said Courtois.

The goalkeeper also revealed that the major reason behind securing a move to Real Madrid was staying close to his children who stay in Madrid with his former girlfriend.

"I will always look back with a happy feeling to Chelsea, I had a chance to go back to Spain to be closer to my kids. That was an important thing for me.

I know that a lot of Chelsea fans will understand my decision. I wish them the best and I am happy to see that they have won their first four games and I hope they can go on and win the league," added the keeper.