
Thibaut
Courtois is keen for former Chelsea team-mate Eden Hazard to join him at
Real Madrid.
The Belgium international, named best goalkeeper at the World Cup this
summer as he helped his country to third-place, signed a six-year deal after
completing a medical on Thursday.
Courtois had a year remaining on his Chelsea deal and did not report for
training with the Blues this week, before the transfer was agreed for around
£35million.
And the 26-year-old says he said he would love to be reunited with reported
Madrid target Hazard.
"He's a wonderful player," Courtois said of his compatriot at his press
conference.
"I'd love to play alongside him again and we'll have to see what happens in
the future. If he ends up here one day, that would be brilliant."
Chelsea confirmed the departure of the 26-year-old with a statement on their
website, signing off with praise for their former goalkeeper.
"He has played an important role in the club's success, and we wish him the
best of luck for the future," it read.
Courtois lifted two Premier League titles during his time at Stamford Bridge
and is keen to continue winning silverware.
"I'm coming into a club that has just won three Champions Leagues in a row
and it's important to keep winning all the trophies we can," he said.
"I want to continue to add success to this club's history. Our challenge
this season is to win every title available to us. We've got a great squad
and I hope I can help the team to keep winning things.
"I received a lot of offers, some better from a financial point of view, but
I wanted to come here, and importantly, be close to my children. When there
was a firm offer on the table, I was in no doubt. My goal was to come to
Real Madrid, everyone knew that."
Courtois passed a medical at Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital and was
later unveiled as a Real player, with Mateo Kovacic moving in the opposite
direction on a season-long loan.
Having spent three seasons at Real's city rivals Atletico Madrid - on loan
from Chelsea - Courtois expressed a desire to return to the Spanish capital
from London, missing training with his former club earlier in the week to
seemingly help push through a move.
"All I'd like to do is to thank the fans for the last four years and for how
they've supported me at Chelsea," he added.
"I've got a new opportunity in my career now and I have to make the most of
it. I've got two kids here and that had a significant role to play in my
decision".
Chelsea reacted to Courtois' impending departure by breaking their transfer
record - and the world record for a goalkeeper - to land Kepa Arrizabalaga
from Athletic Bilbao for £71.6million.