Chelsea star didn’t return for pre-season training after World Cup | Football | Sport

Chelsea’s pre-season plans were rocked when a key player failed to return to training because he felt “stressed” about a potential transfer. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois wanted to leave Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid in order to be closer to his children, who were based in Madrid after the player had initially broken through with Atletico.

Concerned that a controversial move to his former side’s local rivals would fall through, Courtois did not return to training with Chelsea after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He did, however, apologise for the ordeal, and eventually completed a move back to Spain, where he remains with the same team.

His representative, Christophe Henrotay, confirmed the apology had been accepted by the Blues. He told the BBC at the time: “The deal was about to be realised. It’s [missing training] probably something that ideally we wouldn’t have wanted. This was the situation, he apologised and finally everybody is happy.”

Henrotay maintained his client was pursuing the transfer solely for family considerations and no other motives. He added: “It’s true that some players push and it’s true that at certain moments Thibaut was getting a bit stressed by the situation because Madrid made an offer and he had an opportunity to go. He was a bit stressed that this could not happen.

“There has been a misunderstanding that he wanted to get a move for the wrong reasons, but he was pushing to go out of Chelsea because of his children.

“If the family were in London, it would have been totally different. He would have stayed. There is no reason to leave a club like Chelsea, he could have won trophies. Unfortunately, his kids are living with the mother in Madrid.”

Henrotay commended Chelsea for their cooperation and understanding, saying: “It is personal reasons, so we have to respect this. Chelsea understood the situation and really helped to get the deal.

“They did a really quick and easy deal together, understanding the humanity of the situation. It is not doing something against their fans, it is about getting the best of a situation that is not ideal.”

Courtois, who remains a Real Madrid player, recently endured a devastating end to what might prove to be his final World Cup. The 34-year-old was forced off through injury with Belgium’s quarter-final against Spain poised at 1-1.

His replacement, Senne Lammens of Manchester United, was subsequently culpable for Spain’s winning goal when he spilt a strike from Pau Cubarsi, with the loose ball being driven home by Mikel Merino in the 88th minute. The injury has not turned out to be serious and he is expected to link up with Los Blancos for pre-season.