Courtois Is Already Thinking About Retirement
At 32 years old, Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted that he would like to remain at Real Madrid after hanging up his gloves, although he is still unsure about the specific role he might take on. Having joined the club in 2018, Courtois has found much more than just a team in Real Madrid. For him, it’s a place where he feels comfortable, enjoys everyone’s trust, and relishes being in a city that already won him over between 2011 and 2014 when he played for Atlético Madrid.
Supported by Carlo Ancelotti, who considers him the best goalkeeper in the world, and finally free from the injuries that plagued his previous season, the Belgian is thriving in the Spanish capital. His bond with the club is so strong that he’s already planning his future there: "In ten years, I will have retired. However, I hope to stay connected to Real Madrid in some way, whether as a youth coach or an ambassador. These are things I would gladly do," he said in a recent press conference.
This prospect will likely be carefully considered by the club, which recognizes the tremendous contributions Courtois has made. While at 32 he may be approaching the end of his career, Courtois knows that goalkeepers often peak during this stage. He could even extend his professional career for several more years, much like Gianluigi Buffon, who played well into his forties.
On the sporting front, Courtois had a calm weekend as Leganés failed to register a single shot on target. However, tomorrow he faces a much tougher challenge at Anfield, where Real Madrid will take on a Liverpool side that has been steamrolling opponents this season. It will be the perfect opportunity for the Belgian to remind everyone why he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world and to help his team, currently sitting 18th in the standings, bounce back in this challenging campaign.
With his dedication both on and off the field, Courtois not only solidifies his status as a key figure for Real Madrid but also makes it clear that his story with the club could extend far beyond his playing days. His vision for the future reflects a desire to continue contributing to the success of Los Blancos, whether from the sidelines or as a club ambassador.
