Former Atletico Madrid captain Gabi Fernandez admits it is painful to see previous teammate Thibaut Courtois in a Real Madrid top.
Gabi, 34, joined Qatari club Al Sadd earlier this summer before Courtois – who played for Los Rojiblancos between 2011 and 2014 – joined Madrid from Chelsea in a €35m deal.
“Seeing Courtois in a Real Madrid shirt is painful,” Gabi told Diario AS.
“When you have played with somebody and won trophies with them and then to see (them at a rival), it is a strange feeling and it hurts.
“Godin renewal? He is crucial for the club and he cannot leave, not that he wants to. I have talked with him and I know the interest and offers from Manchester United and Juventus are true.
“Diego is the ideal captain for us, it is no surprise that he works out a new contract.
“Griezmann? It confused me and it was not always clear, he told me that he was staying but then when Gerard Pique said he was joining Barcelona, I cursed him…
“Ultimately Antoine has made the right decision and he knows that Atletico are the best club for him, there is nowhere that could be better for him.
“Rodri’s arrival? He is a similar player to me and also has a similar trajectory – leaving Atleti, succeeding and then returning, his position will be key.”
The Belgium number one, 26, completed his move to the Spanish capital hours after Chelsea confirmed Real midfielder Mateo Kovacic had joined on loan.
Real posted a clip of Courtois signing his contract alongside club president Florentino Perez.
“Today I am realising a dream,” said Courtois.
Real have not revealed how much they have paid for Courtois, who had a year remaining on his contract, but reports suggest the deal is worth up to £35m.
Chelsea have signed Athletic Bilbao keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for £71m as a replacement. “This is the best club in the world,” added Courtois, who signed for Chelsea in June 2011 from Genk. The Belgian was immediately sent on loan to Atletico Madrid, where he played until 2014 before returning as the Blues’ number one.
Courtois was voted best goalkeeper at the tournament in Russia, where Belgium beat England in a third-place play-off.
Chelsea will always have a special place in my heart,” he said in a Facebook message posted on his wall. “I want to thank the fans for their great support.
“I hope you understand that being close to my kids was considerable in my decision.”