Courtois says 'your move Madrid'
Was Thibaut Courtois' interview a call out to Real Madrid? Not exactly. Rather, what he said came from his soul: he adores the city of Madrid, where his two children live, something he didn't hide.
Friendly journalist, honest answers
Were his statements prepared so that Real Madrid would open their doors to him? Yes and no. For months Los Blancos have made it clear that the goalkeeper has what is needed to come to the Santiago Bernabéu. He knew from Chelsea that in January they had analysed an agreement with Madrid in which Courtois would have been transferred for a value that would have satisfied both parties, but on condition that he stayed with the London club until the end of the season, giving them time to look for a replacement. But Madrid did not make their required move. So Courtois, a Belgian, with a Belgian agent, speaking in a Belgian newspaper, gave the logical answer. The trust he had with the journalist helped the player relax and admit that his personal situation will play an important role in the decision about his future.
Hand-picked narrative
He also talked about his desire to renew with Chelsea (possibly adding a future transfer clause to Real Madrid?) but that has been conveniently ignored. It could easily have been interpreted as a mid-season review. Only... Thibaut is intelligent, well read, knows what he wants (he doesn't hide that it's Real Madrid), and is aware that he is not the only candidate (David De Gea being the other). And he needed to take that step that they usually demand at the Santiago Bernabéu before making a signing. Now it's your move Florentino...