Kepa Arrizabalaga embraces Real Madrid challenge

By SABC Sport
7th September 2023

Real Madrid's latest custodian, Kepa Arrizabalaga, has swiftly cemented his presence, donning the iconic white jersey this season on loan from Chelsea.

Speaking exclusively to Cadena SER, the Spanish international goalkeeper shed light on the powerhouse personalities that fuel Los Blancos behind the scenes.

Kepa acknowledged the invaluable presence of seasoned veterans within the Real Madrid locker room, emphasizing the significance of their experience. He stated, "Teammates with years of history, abundant victories, and profound wisdom like Modric, Kroos, Nacho, and Carvajal are pivotal for the squad."

Yet, it was Luka Modric, the linchpin of the team, who received the lion's share of praise from Kepa. He marvelled, "What can I say about Luka? Words fall short to describe his exceptional quality. His retirement is still a distant notion. May he grace the pitch for as long as possible! He's the heart of the team, universally adored."

Kepa, thrust into the role of Real Madrid's primary goalkeeper this season due to Thibaut Courtois' season-ending ACL injury, expressed his eagerness to stay beyond the loan period. He asserted, "I've just arrived, it's been only two weeks. I'd gladly remain here. There's much to discover, ample time to decide, but I'm always ready to fight and improve."

Regarding the impending competition for the goalkeeper position, which includes Andriy Lunin and potentially Courtois upon recovery, Kepa welcomed the challenge. "Regrettably, Courtois' injury will sideline him for several months, and when the moment arrives for his return, we'll compete vigorously," he remarked. Kepa emphasized the healthy camaraderie among the goalkeepers, underscoring that such competition elevates the team's overall performance.

In the realm of Real Madrid, no position comes cheap, and Kepa's determination to contribute to the team's success shines through, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.