Thibaut Courtois Gives First Chelsea FC TV Interview – Says All The Right Things
Jul 1, 2014; Salvador, BRAZIL; United States forward Chris Wondolowski (left) misses on a shot on goal over Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (right) during the round of sixteen match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Belgium defeated USA 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsBelgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois gave his first interview for Chelsea FC TV and he certainly says all of the right things. Courtois must have taken notes from Romelu Lukaku’s behavior and made sure to write “this is exactly the opposite of what I should be saying.” The young keeper is in the midst of a controversy over who should start for Chelsea but if he keeps his head down, mouth shut, and works hard this season in a keeper by committee this season then it is likely that Petr Cech will be sold next summer. It is a good situation for a 22 year old to come in to if he handles it correctly. Below we have an excerpt of what Thibaut Courtois discussed in his interview with Chelsea TV.
Courtois on Chelsea supporters and playing against his club:
"“It was so nice to see that the Chelsea supporters appreciated my talent and my work at Atletico. To see them clapping me was quite special and hopefully now I can give them joy by helping the team win games and trophies. That night was a really good experience, but obviously I was playing for the other side at Stamford Bridge so it was a little bit weird. Now I’m just looking forward to playing a game at Stamford Bridge in the Chelsea colors.”"
On working hard to improve his game:
"“I think I’m an all-round goalkeeper but I know I can improve at everything. I am only 22 years old. I’m still young and I’m here to learn a lot off Christophe Lollichon, Petr Cech and Mark Schwarzer. I just have to work hard and prove myself in training. We have to train hard and work hard together as one team. All I can do is play well and then hope the manager chooses me. It’s the same as for everyone.”"
Courtois on similarities between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea:
"“At Atletico we were a team growing and growing and growing. I think Chelsea are similar. We have lots of young players and new players that want to develop themselves to become even better players and to win trophies with this club. I think that is possible. Chelsea as a club always has the ambition to win as many trophies as possible.Chelsea has a team to be champions in England, to win cups and also to play in the final of the Champions League and win it again. Obviously there are a lot of good teams both in the Premier League and the Champions League, but I think we should be able to go very far in every competition.”"
Thibaut Courtois on his career, his happiness at Chelsea, and working hard to achieve his dreams:
"“I signed three years ago so now I am happy to actually be here, to be a part of this club. My new team-mates have been really great; they’ve welcomed me and you really feel that you are a part of this team. Obviously it helped me that I knew some of the players before I arrived. When I signed here I had played for just one year in the Belgian league.I wasn’t anybody. In the last three years, I have been able to improve myself a lot and make my name in the football world. Now it is up to me to keep working hard here at Chelsea, keep improving myself and helping the team to achieve the things we all want.”"
Thank you Thibaut Courtois for not being another sulking Belgian and saying the right things to the fans. Hopefully he actually means everything he said and is actually willing to stay and fight for his place in the team and that number one goalkeeper shirt.
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