'I am on the good side of history', Thibaut Courtois demands respect after Champions League success
- Sean Fisher
- 28 May 2022
After a man-of-the-match performance in the Champions League final against Liverpool, Real Madrid shotstopper Thibaut Courtois demanded more respect from English fans.
Thibaut Courtois will dominate the headlines from Saturday night's Champions League final, after the 30-year-old produced a dazzling display in the Stade de France.
The Belgian shotstopper faced 24 shots against Liverpool, but the Real Madrid goalkeeper stood firm to deny the Reds' fierce strikeforce and keep a clean sheet.
With Courtois ensuring Liverpool found no way to goal, Vinicius Jr's goal on the hour mark handed Real Madrid and a 1-0 win and their 14th European title.
WHAT A PERFORMANCE COURTOIS! pic.twitter.com/qwl8UFn5wD
— Planet Sport (@PlanetSportcom) May 28, 2022
Following the full-time whistle, Courtois stated that he didn't think he has been shown enough respect for his career achievements, specifically in England.
"I said to my friends yesterday that when Real Madrid play finals they win it. I am on the good side of history," said Courtois.
"Today I needed to win a final for my career, for all the hard work to put respect on my name because I don't think I have enough respect, especially in England."
He added, "I saw a lot of criticism even after a great season, that I was not good enough or whatever.
"I am just really happy and proud of the performance of the team. We stuck to it and when I needed to be there, I was there for the team."
Stop it, Thibaut Courtois! 🥵
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 28, 2022
Joke of a save! #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/3KunsBBN9G
Courtois came close to winning the Champions League back in 2013/14 with Atletico Madrid, before going on to win two Premier League titles and an FA Cup with Chelsea.
A further two league titles came after his move to Real Madrid, and now with a Champions League medal in his impressive trophy cabinet, it's hard to argue that Courtois doesn't deserve the respect he is after.
