MADRID (AP) — Kepa Arrizabalaga was introduced Tuesday as Real Madrid’s new goalkeeper, and the Spaniard said he didn’t think twice when he received the offer.
“The decision was very easy,” Kepa said after being introduced by club president Florentino Pérez. “I had other proposals from important clubs, but when they told me about this option,… everything was very fast.”
Kepa arrives after being loaned out for one season by Chelsea in the Premier League. He bolsters the position in the absence of starter Thibaut Courtois, who suffered a torn ligament in his left knee and will be sidelined for an extended period.
One of the clubs that negotiated with Kepa was Bayern Munich, which is looking for a substitute for the injured Manuel Neuer.
“They have been intense days, but when I had Madrid’s proposal, it was clear to me,” said the 28-year-old player, who in 2018 became the most expensive goalkeeper in the world when he landed at Chelsea for 80 million euros (93 million euros). dollars at the time).
He had come close to passing Madrid then, but ended up in England while Belgian Courtois left Chelsea and signed with Madrid.
“It has been when it had to be. My career cannot be changed, the future is Real Madrid”, said Kepa. “Prepared to give 100% for Real Madrid”.
Pérez praised Kepa as “one of the great goalkeepers in the world.”
“We know very well what this moment means to you and all that you have fought to be able to defend the Real Madrid shirt and shield from today,” added the president.
Kepa wished Courtois and two other Madrid players who have recently suffered knee injuries a speedy recovery: Brazilian defender Eder Militao and Turkish midfielder Arda Güler.
The Spanish goalkeeper will have to fight for ownership with the Ukrainian Andriy Lunin, Courtois’ substitute who saved Madrid in the 2-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao on the first date of the Spanish La Liga on Saturday.
Kepa maintained that he arrives “much more mature” after his experience in London.
“I am prepared to face this challenge. Now I am much stronger, the years harden you, I have been through all kinds of situations, “she said. “I see the five years at Chelsea from a positive point of view.”
Madrid’s next game will be a visit to Almería on Saturday.
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2023-08-16 06:31:59
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