In a communication published Wednesday evening, Atlético de Madrid demanded an apology from Thibaut Courtois, passed by the club between 2011 and 2014, if he does not want to lose his plate on the Paseo de los Jugadores Centenarios.
Atlético fans have never forgiven Courtois for his move from Chelsea to Real Madrid, Atlético’s arch-rivals, in 2018. The Red Devils goalkeeper’s performances with the Colchoneros earned him a plaque in his honor in front of the Metropolitano stadium. After his spell at Real, the plaque was vandalized and more damage followed statements made by Courtois following the 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final last summer. “This time I’m on the right side of history,” Courtois said.
Supporters interpreted this statement as a reference to the C1 final lost by Atlético once morest Real in 2014. Last September, Courtois responded to insults from Colchoneros supporters by showing the tattoo on his arm, recalling the victory in the Champions League. On Wednesday, the social committee of Atlético de Madrid met and notably discussed a “changing the name of the current Paseo de los Jugadores Centenarios and the criteria for becoming part of it, including the obligation for all players and former players present to maintain a respectful attitude towards the club and its fans”. “In this regard, the commission has sent a letter to Thibaut Courtois, considering that he has not met the criteria for maintaining his plaque following statements that have hurt the fans, offering him the opportunity to apologise. commission has been made aware of Courtois’ response and there is an open conversation with him to clarify this situation.”
