Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is not thinking about retirement just yet, but the Belgian goalkeeper already appears to have an idea of what he would like to do when that day eventually arrives.
In a recent interview with Tuttomercato (h/t Defensa Central), Courtois revealed that he wants to continue playing for another five or six seasons before beginning a new chapter with Real Madrid.
“For now, I want to play for another five or six years,” he stated.
This comes on the back of Courtois stepping down from playing for the Belgian national team in order to focus on his club career, while he is also on the verge of signing a new contract with Los Blancos.
After recovering from serious injuries that threatened to disrupt his career and returning to his highest level, Courtois believes he can continue competing for several more seasons.
Plans for once he hangs up his boots
Once he is done with his playing career, Courtois’ ambition would be to work with the club’s academy goalkeepers and help develop the next top-class goalkeeper at Valdebebas.
Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid
No thoughts of retirement. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Rather than managing a first-team squad, Courtois sees himself working in an area he knows inside out.
The Belgian would prefer to pass on everything he has learned throughout his career and help establish a high-level goalkeeping pathway within the club.
“I haven’t decided what I’ll do afterwards, but I’m not sure I want to be a first-team coach. With all the players you have to manage, I’d get old very quickly,” he said.
Developing the next Courtois at Valdebebas
The most revealing part of Courtois’ comments concerns what happens after his playing career.
He does not envisage completely walking away from football or Real Madrid. His ideal scenario would be to work with the club’s academy goalkeepers and play a role in their development.
Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid player
Courtois wishes to continue at Real Madrid beyond his playing career. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
“I’d like to work in Real Madrid’s goalkeeping department, creating a top-level academy to develop a new Thibaut Courtois rather than having to sign one,” he stated.
Having spent the largest part of his career at Real Madrid, he would like to help the club develop another goalkeeper of that calibre in the future rather than having to find one on the transfer market.
For now, he wants to continue playing for another five or six years.
Once his time between the posts eventually comes to an end, he would then like to remain at Valdebebas and help develop the goalkeepers who could eventually succeed him.
Real Madrid midfielder set to return to France squad in upcoming international break
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga missed the FIFA World Cup after being excluded by Didier Deschamps on the basis of current form, but the youngster has taken massive strides forward this season in terms of prominence.
While he is still not a starter nor close to being one, he has been counted on by Jose Mourinho in midfield on occasion and has done well when called upon.
With Deschamps now out of the French national team dynamics and former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane in charge, he was expected to have a good chance of making a comeback, and that now appears to be the case.
Set for a redemption
Indeed, as reported by RMC Sport in a recent update, Zidane is set to announce his official national team squad for his first international break in charge tomorrow, and Camavinga is expected to be a part of the same.
zinedine zidane, Real Madrid legend
The new French NT manager. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images for EA SPORTS FC™ 25)
There is a very high chance that the former Real Madrid coach calls the midfield star up as he values his profile and the versatility that he offers. Camavinga’s recent performances, needless to say, have helped.
Having missed out on the World Cup after being a mainstay for a long time, Camavinga will look to use his opportunity to the fullest and earn Zidane’s trust.
After all, the managerial change is the right time for him to step up and leave an impression.
A long way to go
So far this season, the 23-year-old star has made two starts for Real Madrid and five appearances in La Liga.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid
Camavinga still has a long way to go. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
He averages just under 45 minutes per game and has thus had a significant role to play in Mourinho’s dynamics. Notably, however, his compatriot Aurelien Tchouameni was injured for most of the period.
The midfield mainstay is now back in action and is expected to start against Atletico Madrid at the weekend.
With his compatriot back in the mix as well alongside Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde, it remains to be seen how Camavinga’s situation progresses.
After all, the competition is Real Madrid’s midfield is simply unforgiving at this point in time, and Camavinga must make the most of any chances that come his way.