Thibaut Courtois formally joins Real Madrid

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Real Madrid announced on Wednesday that Belgian international goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has joined the club.

The 26-year-old was the first goalkeeper of Belgium football national team for the FIFA World Cup this summer. He won the Golden Glove as his impressive saves helped Belgium achieve the 3rd place in the tournament.

Belgium's Youri Tielemans, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Axel Witsel, and Marouane Fellaini (L-R) greet the spectators after their 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 football match against Japan 3:2 on July 2, 2018 at Rostov Arena Stadium. /VCG Photo

No fee was revealed for the transfer of Courtois, who had just one more year to run on his Chelsea contract, but the Blues added in a statement that subject to the completion of the Courtois deal, Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic would join Chelsea from Real on a season-long loan.

Mateo Kovacic controls the ball during the match between Malaga CF against Real Madrid on April 15, 2018 in Rosaleda stadium, Malaga, Spain. /VCG Photo

Courtois joined Chelsea from Genk in 2011, but spent three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid before returning to London where he won two Premier League titles in four seasons.

And with his two children still resident in the Spanish capital, Courtois's agent claimed earlier this week family commitments were a motivating factor in forcing a move to the European champions.

"He has made it clear to the club that the best option for him is to move to Madrid," football agent Christophe Henrotay told the Sun newspaper.

"For him this is a big decision because he wants to be near his family, and there is an offer in place for Chelsea to accept."

Keylor Navas of Real Madrid looks back as he warms up before the International Champions Cup soccer match against Juventus at the FedExField on August 04, 2018 in Landover. /VCG Photo

Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas, who joined Real Madrid in 2014 for 10 million euros, showed strong willingness of staying in the club despite the joining of the young Belgian.

"Of course, and I say this with force, I have the same desire to leave than I have to die," the 31-year-old said in an interview.

(With input from agencies)