Real Madrid are gearing up for a highly-anticipated UEFA Champions League quarterfinal showdown with Chelsea, with the record winners set to battle it out with the title holders for a spot in the semifinals. The first leg of this tie will take place at Stamford Bridge, meaning one familiar name will make a return to the London giants' home ground.
That man is none other than Thibaut Courtois, the former Blues keeper who forced his way out of the English capital in favor of a move to Santiago Bernabeu. The Belgian ace spent three seasons with the Premier League giants after his brilliant loan spell at Atletico Madrid, and will now face a sold-out Stamford Bridge crowd for the first time since departing.
It should be noted that the 29-year-old made his first return to the Bridge last season when Los Blancos locked horns with Tuchel's men in the semifinals. However, due to COVID-19, the stadium was completely empty, meaning Thibaut got no reception.
And ahead of this reunion, the Real Madrid star has issued a message: please don't boo me! Courtois isn't a stranger to hostile receptions, having been jeered by Atletico fans in Madrid derbies after joining the 13-time UEFA Champions League winners. However, it will be interesting to see how the Chelsea fans react to his return.
"I hope that they (supporters) don't boo me, but you never know," the keeper said, as per Goal.
"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.
"So I'm not expecting any applause from the fans."
However, the shot-stopper does not regret his decision to leave Chelsea one bit as he remains in awe at Real Madrid. Having joined the Spanish giants for $46M, the Red Devils international has gone on to win a league crown, as well as a FIFA Club World Cup since joining Los Merengues.
"When I get to the training center and look at the logo, sometimes I think — 'You have to pinch me, that's not a dream, is it?' Courtois added.
"Even in my dreams, I never imagined that I would play for Real Madrid one day. I am so lucky."
