Former Chelsea defender Michael Duberry is of the opinion that Thibaut Courtois was not fan favorite at Stamford Bridge unlike Petr Cech. Duberry said, “He hasn’t warmed to Chelsea fans like Petr Cech has. I understand he’s a good goalkeeper, but he hasn’t grown in their hearts. As long as the replacement is on par, then everyone will be happy. We want players who want to play for the Blue shirt.
We want players who want to work hard and have a bit of fight and enthusiasm to want to do well for Chelsea. That’s all that Chelsea fans want.”
The 42-year old former Chelsea defender also added that his transfer was inevitable. He said, “His body lanaguage suggests he doesn’t want to be there. As a player you kind of understand his ambitions and what he wants to do. But I don’t think he’s making anyone want him back. His actions. A year or so there has been whispers, he’s wanted to go. He looked like at times he’s wanted to go.”
Thibaut Courtois will sign a six-year deal with Real Madrid while Mateo Kovacic will play for The Blues on loan this season. Chelsea have already got Courtois’ replacement by signing 23-year old Kepa Arrizbalaga from Athletic Bilbao for a world-record fee of £71.6 million.
