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Fans break out Thibaut Courtois name plate at Atlético Madrid stadium

Angry Atlético Madrid fans have removed the nameplate for Thibaut Courtois from the Wanda Metropolitano stadium. The president of Atlético Madrid, Enrique Cerezo, had encouraged the move.

At the press conference for Saturday’s Champions League final, Thibaut Courtois made a particularly sensitive statement about the 2014 final battle, which he lost 4-1 to Real Madrid with Atlético Madrid.

“Eight years ago I played my first Champions League final, but now I hope to win my first. Everyone wants to win and contribute to the history of Real Madrid. When Real Madrid play a final, you know they will win it. Now I am on the right side of history’, said our compatriot, who was the absolute star in the final against Liverpool (1-0 win).

Earlier, the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, replied to the champion of the Champions League final during the ceremony of Real Madrid in the city hall with the words: “You have often made me enjoy in recent years, but I allow me to say one thing with great sympathy: on the good side of history are those who wept with you in Lisbon.’

Lisbon was the place where the 2014 final was played. Atlético Madrid held out for ninety minutes (1-1) against the great rival and fellow townsman, but cracked in extra time and lost 4-1.

Thibaut Courtois and Toby Alderweireld during the 2014 Champions League final.

Foto: BELGAIMAGE

Thibaut Courtois was in goal that night at Atlético Madrid, where he played between 2011 and 2014, before returning to Chelsea. Courtois became Spanish champion, won the Spanish Cup and the Europa League at The mattresses.

Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo referred to the mayor’s speech when asked for a response to Courtois’s words. “I think the mayor has given him a fantastic response. That’s all.’

Cerezo said he congratulated Real Madrid through all possible channels. ‘We sent them a letter, a Whatsapp and now I send my congratulations again through your journalists.’

The Atletico Madrid president eventually fell out of his role when a journalist confronted him that some fans had called on social media for the Courtois nameplate to be removed, which is posted for players with at least 100 appearances for Atletico. Then he said cynically, “If they want to remove it, let them come with a hammer and chisel and take it away.”

Several hours later, photos of the removed plate circulated on social media and the news was confirmed by the Spanish media.

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