Thibaut Courtois accuses English press of lack of respect after final heroics

Courtois took aim at the English media

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois accused the English media of a lack of respect against his name after his inspirational performance helped Los Blancos to win the Champions League. Karim Benzema thought he had given the Spanish side the lead towards the end of the first half but after a lengthy VAR decision it was ruled out after the deflection of Liverpool midfielder Fabinho wasn't deemed as intentional. Vinicius Junior scored the winner in the second half after a lapse of concentration from Trent Alexander-Arnold allowed the Brazilian to latch onto Fede Valverde's low-driven ball into the box. https://twitter.com/FootballJOE/status/1530663576184229892 But it was Courtois who will rightly receive all the plaudits after a Man of the Match display in-between the sticks for Carlo Ancelotti's side. The Belgian kept out the Liverpool attack multiple times and as per Squawka, became the first goalkeeper to make nine plus saves in a Champions League final. [caption id="attachment_338907" align="alignnone" width="640"] Credit: Getty[/caption]

'I don't think I get enough respect. Especially in England'

Madrid's win denied Jurgen Klopp's side a famous treble and secured a 14th Champions League victory for the La Liga side but after the game Courtois' focus was on himself. During his interview with BT Sport, the 30-year-old took aim at the English media, who often criticised him during his time in the Premier League at Chelsea and said that he 'wanted to put some respect on his name.' https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1530669033372131328 "Back in England, I don’t get enough respect… so, well, I showed it today. I wanted to put some respect on my name there," he said. "Today I needed to win a final for my career, for all the hard work, to put some respect on my name, because I don't think I get enough respect. Especially in England." Courtois then continued by saying that he had seen tweets in the build up to the game questioning his ability and that he wanted to show people what he was made of. He added: "I saw a lot of tweets coming my way that I would get humbled today. It was the opposite. Related links:

• Real Madrid win 14th Champions League title against Liverpool
• Liverpool issue statement after Champions League final entry chaos
• Why Karim Benzema’s goal against Liverpool was ruled out for offside