Courtois says controversial ‘right side of history’ comment was not aimed at Atletico Madrid

Thibaut Courtois has addressed his long-running dispute with Atletico Madrid supporters, insisting that his controversial 2022 comment about being on “the right side of history” was directed at Liverpool and not his former club.

The Belgium goalkeeper’s relationship with Atletico fans deteriorated after he joined city rivals Real Madrid. Courtois had spent a successful period at Atletico on loan from Chelsea, winning La Liga and reaching the 2014 Champions League final, but he has faced hostility and whistles whenever he has returned to the Wanda Metropolitano.

The tension peaked in May 2022, on the eve of the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool. Courtois said at the time: “They played a final against Real Madrid in 2018. When you face Real Madrid, you know they win finals, and now I am on the winning side of history.”

Atletico supporters interpreted the remark as a reference to their defeat by Real Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final in Lisbon, a match in which Courtois played for Atletico.

Four years and six months later, Courtois has offered his full explanation in an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero, while also speaking warmly about the club where he developed into a leading goalkeeper.

“If I could, I would not take that phrase back, because it was not about them – Atletico Madrid – it was about Liverpool,” Courtois said.

“I have always spoken about Atletico with a great deal of respect, and I won trophies there.”

He added: “That period made me fall in love with Spain. I had two children there, and I will never say anything bad about it. I left because I was on loan from Chelsea.”

Courtois also acknowledged the significance of his time at Atletico and expressed his pride in what he achieved there.

“I am very proud of my time at Atletico. It made me the goalkeeper I am today,” he said.

The goalkeeper’s comments were shared by Radioestadio Noche on 30 September 2026. In the interview, Courtois also said: “The phrase ‘I am on the right side of history’ has nothing to do with Atleti.”

His spell at Atletico remains closely associated with the club’s run to the 2014 Champions League final and their La Liga title, despite the bitter reaction from supporters following his move to Real Madrid. Courtois maintained that he has always regarded the derby as a positive part of his time in Spain, adding: “Derbies are always enjoyable.”