Former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has spoken out about his somewhat controversial transfer to Real Madrid in the summer and confirmed his decision to leave Stamford Bridge was already made in March.

What's the story?

Courtois, 26, had been linked with a return to the city of Madrid and the situation turned sour after he failed to return to Chelsea after the World Cup in Russia, with the Belgian trying to force his way out of the club.

Chelsea eventually agreed to let him go, bringing in 23-year-old Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao for a whopping £71m, and Courtois has since expressed his sadness that some Chelsea fans are unhappy about the way his transfer to Madrid played out. As quoted by Sky Sports, he said...

"It makes me feel sad and obviously they don't know all the truth. I think in March the decision was already made and I thought the club would accept it. Then because the transfer was closed I did not show up because I thought it better not to disturb the team and the squad. If I did go there maybe, I didn't want to be toxic, so obviously it is a pity because I love Chelsea."

Why Chelsea don't need Courtois

Courtois forcing his move to Real Madrid by not returning to training should be seen as a relief rather than a disappointment for Chelsea and their new manager. The club might have suffered a financial loss in the transfer but keeping a player that doesn't want to be there can cause disruptions, especially with a new gaffer at the helm in Maurizio Sarri.

Of course, Courtois is still regarded as world-class glovesman, but he is facing stern competition at Madrid with Keylor Navas still getting game-time. Arrizabalaga, meanwhile, has shown great appetite to fit into Sarri's plans as the man between the sticks for the Blues.

Two clean sheets from the first four games boads well for the future and he could end up developing into a fantastic 'keeper under Sarri.