Thibaut Courtois’ decision not to join Manchester United appears to have been significantly influenced by the club’s signing of David de Gea in 2011. Courtois explained in an interview that De Gea’s arrival at Old Trafford helped shape his own career path, ultimately guiding him toward a permanent move to Chelsea instead. At the time, Courtois was playing for Genk, and he had interest from several top clubs, including Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Courtois felt Chelsea provided the best long-term project for him, and this led to him joining the club in 2011. Interestingly, De Gea’s move to Manchester United opened up an opportunity for Courtois to join Atletico Madrid on loan, where he would go on to develop into one of the top goalkeepers in the world.
He credits his time in Spain with Atletico as a pivotal period in his development, shaping him into the goalkeeper he is today. Courtois’ career has been impressive, with multiple domestic league titles and UEFA Champions League wins under his belt with Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, and now Real Madrid.
