Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga reportedly turned down Bayern Munich before joining Real Madrid on a loan deal in the last window.
Los Blancos were forced to act after Thibaut Courtois sustained a serious knee injury in August and the decision was made to bet on the 29-year-old.
The Chelsea owned player has been a regular for the La Liga side this season, managing four clean sheets and conceding seven goals from nine games. His form has seen him receive a call-up from Spain manager Luis de la Fuente for the ongoing international break.
This gave AS the opportunity to have a chat with the stopper, and they asked him to provide background on his move to Madrid despite being close to the Bundesliga winners.
“The loan move to Madrid was very quick. Everything was closed in a few hours, with just two phone calls,” he said.
“I had spent five seasons at a big club, Chelsea, and I thought a change could be good for me. It’s true that there was the Bayern option… but Real Madrid called and I didn’t think about it. If there were other opportunities before it doesn’t matter, what matters is that it became a reality last summer.”
The former Athletic man’s loan deal lasts until the end of this season and Carlo Ancelotti’s side don’t have an option or obligation to make his stay permanent.
Kepa’s contract at Stamford Bridge will expire in 2025 and he has not closed the door on extending his stay at Real Madrid.
“After what happened in the summer, I don’t want to start thinking in October about what could happen in July. But what I can say is that I am very happy. Of course, I will not lack work and enthusiasm and I will try to help make Madrid’s history even greater and enjoy every minute, every game to the fullest,” Kepa explained.
If Kepa’s move to Real Madrid were to be made permanent, he will have to compete with Courtois for a place in their starting line-up.
