Courtois Feels Undervalued In Belgium

Courtois has overcome a tough start to life on his return to the Spanish capital after joining from Chelsea in the summer of 2018.

The 28-year-old has kept 11 clean sheets from 25 appearances in the Spanish top flight this season, with Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak the only goalkeeper with more shutouts.

Courtois has won one La Liga title, one Spanish Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup in his time with Los Blancos.

The former Genk goalkeeper previously spent three seasons on loan with Atletico Madrid and he feels his performances with the Rojiblancos, where he won one La Liga, one Copa del Rey, one Europa League and one UEFA Super Cup, is given more credence than his time with Los Blancos; a fact highlighted by the fact that he was pipped to the Best Belgian Player Award last season by Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku.

"I had three fantastic years at Atletico. I received praise from all over Belgium. I became Sportsman of the Year and I thought it was good,” Courtois told HLN.

"Today I have the feeling that everything I do has become normal. My performance in that game against Real Valladolid, I think, seemed like it didn't exist.

"It seems that continuing to play at a high level at the biggest club in the world is no longer worth the effort."

"When you see where I've come from at Real Madrid... I survived a tsunami there," added Courtois, who is expected to start for Madrid against former side Atletico on Sunday.

"In 2020 I won the Supercopa with a decisive save in the shoot-out. And then I read from analysts: 'Courtois deserves the Belgian of the Year trophy less than Lukaku, because he was always with the national team while Courtois withdrew a few times'.

"I can understand that Lukaku was given the award for Best Belgian Abroad, but I also deserved it. I was also not nominated for Athlete of the Year.

"It's ridiculous. In fact, I feel more appreciation in Spain, and also outside of Spain, than in Belgium."