Thibaut Courtois aimed a dig at English football supporters after he delivered a man of the match performance in Saturday’s Champions League final against Liverpool.
The Belgium international joined the Spanish club four years ago from Chelsea and initially took time to settle at the Bernabeu after dislodging Keylor Navas.
Since the return of manager Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, the 30-year-old has steadily rebuilt his reputation and is now back amongst the world’s best goalkeepers.
The Reds dominated large spells in Paris, but found Courtois in unbeatable form with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane left dumbfounded by the goalkeeper’s agility and reflexes.
Speaking after the game, Courtois offered a pointed response to his critics, saying: ‘Yesterday in the press conference I said that when Madrid plays finals they win. I was on the good side of history.
‘I saw a lot of tweets coming my way that I would get humbled today it was the other way round.
‘Today I needed to win a final for my career, for all the hard work to put respect on my name as I don’t think I get enough respect, especially in England. I saw a lot of criticism even after a great season.
‘I am really proud of the team. We stuck to it and when I needed to be there I was there for the team.
‘We beat some the best clubs of the world. City and Liverpool were unbelievable this season. They fought to the end in the Premier League, Liverpool won two cups and they were really strong.
‘We played a great game today. We had one chance and scored it.’
