Kepa Arrizabalaga ‘hopes’ to stay at after his season-long loan deal from expires.
Real Madrid .
Courtois is expected to miss most of the 2023-24 campaign, giving Kepa a chance to stake a claim for the number one shirt following his loan move from Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old largely flattered to deceive for Chelsea after the club signed him for £71m in 2018 – the highest fee ever paid for a goalkeeper.
Kepa saw off competition from Edouard Mendy for the No. 1 jersey but Chelsea .
Discussing his move from Chelsea in his first Real Madrid press conference, Kepa said: ‘Hello and thanks to everyone who has made today possible.
‘Today is one of the most important and special days in my sporting career. I am very proud to form part of Real Madrid and I take on this new challenge with great enthusiasm and I’ll bring hard work, commitment and effort.
‘I hope that we can win many titles, and increase Real Madrid’s trophy haul even more. Thank you all very much and Hala Madrid!’
Asked if he wanted to turn his loan move into a permanent deal, Kepa said: ‘I hope so. Today is day one and I’m here on loan, but we’ll have time and we’ll see. I hope that with my effort and performances this can happen.
‘When I had the offer from Real Madrid, it was all clear for me. It’s true that I had other offers from big clubs, but the decision was quite quick and easy once this option came about.’
Pressed on his mixed spell at Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard added: ‘I was able to play with great players and we competed for most titles most years. It was a great experience and one I’ll never forget.’
Real Madrid confirmed Courtois would miss the majority of the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Courtois, 31, was named the best goalkeeper in the world at last year’s Ballon d’Or awards having helped Real Madrid win the Champions League and La Liga in 2022.
‘I have spoken with him and he’s going through the worst thing in football right now, which is an injury,’ Kepa said of Courtois’ absence. ‘I hope he can recover soon and be back on the pitch soon.’
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