Real Madrid veteran affirms his commitment to the club: ‘Goal is to finish my career here’
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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has once again reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the club, revealing that his biggest ambition is to bring his playing career to an end at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Belgian international remains one of the most important figures in the Real Madrid squad and, despite already being under contract until 2027, has said that he sees his future tied to Real Madrid.
AdvertisementAdvertisementCourtois has enjoyed a trophy-filled spell since arriving from Chelsea and continues to be regarded as one of the world’s elite goalkeepers.
Now, the veteran shot-stopper has openly discussed his plans while also reflecting on the journey that influenced his career.
Courtois makes his intentions clear
Questions surrounding Courtois’ long-term future have surfaced in recent months as the goalkeeper enters the latter stages of his career.
However, the Belgian has left little room for doubt regarding his ambitions.
Courtois wants to retire at Real Madrid. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
Speaking about his future, Courtois admitted that ending his career at Real Madrid would represent the perfect conclusion to his playing days.
AdvertisementAdvertisement“For me, Genk is a closed chapter as a player. I think I had a great year there. Genk have some promising young goalkeepers, so I don’t think I’ll be returning there as a player.
“If I can finish my career at Real Madrid, that would be my dream and my goal. We’ll see what happens over the next few years.”
More to the story
Courtois also explained how his years at the Bernabeu have helped elevate his game to another level.
Having experienced Champions League finals, title races and some of football’s highest-pressure occasions, the Belgian believes he is now a more complete goalkeeper than he was earlier in his career.
“As a goalkeeper, I’d say the ideal age is between 29 and 34. I missed a year through injury and perhaps that might extend my career a little.
“I feel good, I look after myself very well and I’m a more complete goalkeeper. Experience helps too.
Courtois is Real Madrid’s dressing room leader. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
“I’ve already spent many years at Real Madrid, dealing with a lot of pressure and playing in many important matches. And that teaches you a lot as well.”
Idols growing up
The Belgian also reflected on the goalkeepers who inspired him growing up, revealing that two legendary names – Iker Casillas and Edwin van der Sar – played a major role in influencing his ambitions.
AdvertisementAdvertisementLooking back on his childhood influences, Courtois explained,
“They were my main role models. My father was a big fan of Preud’homme and often told me what a great goalkeeper he was.
“I didn’t experience much of his playing days myself, although I have seen videos, and I know he’s one of the best Belgian goalkeepers in history.
“But I grew up watching Iker and Edwin van der Sar more,” he concluded.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
