Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was the player put forward to face the press ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica, and spoke about the racism scandal by saying,
“this is a great moment for football to put an end to these things. We know what Vinicius has told us… and it’s something that has happened many times. We have to put an end to it. UEFA will decide.”
Courtois on Jose Mourinho
“Well, at the end of the day, Mourinho is Mourinho. And as a manager, you’re always going to defend your club. And what your player has told you. The only thing that disappoints me a little is using Vini’s celebration. Because Vini didn’t do anything wrong there. He celebrated like many of our opponents celebrate against us, too. Because when you score a goal against Real Madrid… the euphoria of many teams is double or triple. And it happened, as we have to turn the page. But we cannot justify an alleged act of racism with a celebration.”
Courtois on the most important thing on Wednesday
“Having the fans behind us, cheering us on throughout the match. And for us, getting off to a good start. It’s a misleading result, because if they score early… you have to stay focused and keep your attitude up.”
Courtois on Chilavert’s statement
“It’s also regrettable. You can’t say things like that. They have no place in today’s world.”
Courtois on Benfica’s statements
“Using Fede’s name… He has nothing to do with it. He had no intention of hitting an opponent. As for Prestianni… it’s difficult, it’s always going to be one person’s word against another’s. But we are 100% behind Vinicius, who has been through a lot… and has never said anything like that. I heard him 100%, as I have heard him many times before, and I believe him 100%. As he covered his mouth, we will never know. And Benfica will defend their player. But there is not much more we can do: it is up to UEFA, to the institutions.”
Courtois on whether players would shake hands if Prestianni plays
“It’s something we players haven’t discussed. We’ll see what we decide as a team.”
Courtois on whether a homophobic insult is any different
“It looks like he said it… and I think it’s just as serious. They are homophobic insults. What happened in the stands at Da Luz was very serious. Because you may like one player more or less than another, but doing that is deplorable. I don’t know if they’ve condemned it, if they’ve said they’re going to prosecute those who made the monkey gestures… but both racism and homophobia are unacceptable. And their insults are just as strong. If they don’t cover their mouths there… we can imagine what they say when they do cover their mouths.”
Courtois on whether it was a penalty against Osasuna
“That’s difficult to say. As goalkeepers, we’re always unprotected in those situations. With VAR, the image is paused, slowed down… and although I touched him a little, he put his foot under mine, just a little. But it wasn’t a trip and he complained about his shin. What the referee didn’t take into account is that the ball was going quite far away, it wasn’t a goal-scoring opportunity.”
