9 Months Later, Kepa Arrizabalaga Lets Loose: “At Real, I Didn’t Play Anymore Because…”

Bournemouth’s goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, Kepa Arrizabalaga, has broken his silence to discuss his short stint at Real Madrid last season. From starting to being a substitute behind Andriy Lunin, the 30-year-old Spanish goalkeeper reveals what turned the tide.

Now 30 years old, Kepa can reflect on a career of considerable note. Revealed at Athletic Bilbao, the Spanish goalkeeper proved himself in La Liga before landing in the Premier League, notably at Chelsea in 2018. Recruited by the Blues for €80 million at the time, the Ondarroa native became the most expensive goalkeeper in history after that transaction. In the Blues’ goal, he alternated between good performances and more complicated moments. In a club where competition is fierce in all positions, with multiple players per position, Kepa Arrizabalaga escaped in August 2023 to Real Madrid.

Kepa’s Twist in Madrid.

As he was preparing to live a new season in competition with a newly recruited goalkeeper (Robert Sanchez), the Spanish international received a call from Real Madrid, who were urgently seeking a goalkeeper to compensate for Thibaut Courtois’ knee injury. Without hesitation, Kepa Arrizabalaga seized the opportunity and arrived in Madrid on loan without an option to buy, as the new number 1 goalkeeper for the season. He quickly established himself as a starter ahead of Andriy Lunin and played a series of games.

Unfortunately, an injury disrupted things in the fall. Indeed, awaiting his chance, the Ukrainian goalkeeper took advantage of this injury to deliver strong performances in Real Madrid’s goal. Now in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans, Andriy Lunin never returned to the bench permanently after Kepa’s return. To settle the matter, the Madrid coach decided to alternate the two goalkeepers, while granting the most decisive matches to the young 26-year-old Ukrainian.

“I Had Ups and Downs.”

Arriving to replace Courtois, Kepa Arrizabalaga ultimately became a reserve in Champions League and even Spanish La Liga matches. At the end of the season, the Chelsea goalkeeper had a record of 20 matches in Madrid colors compared to 30 (including 8 in the Champions League) for Lunin. Returning to England after this setback, the Spanish goalkeeper had to go on loan again to Bournemouth for the current season. In the shadows in the Premier League, he broke his silence to discuss his situation.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Arrizabalaga retains fond memories of his time in Madrid and points to his injury as the major factor in the change of status he experienced. “Real Madrid? Just a year, but I loved it. Winning La Liga and the Champions League. I had ups and downs. I was a starter, I got injured, and I started playing less, but I felt important in the team. We only lost two games in 60-70 games,” he revealed.

It must be said that the Spanish goalkeeper left a good impression within the Madrid team. Despite his demotion, he remained very close to Lunin, whom he even helped with beneficial advice during the penalty shootout against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final.

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s time at Real Madrid was marked by ups and downs. Arriving as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois, he quickly established himself as a starter, delivering strong performances. However, an injury halted his progress, allowing Andriy Lunin to seize his chance.

The competition between the two goalkeepers was intense, and Carlo Ancelotti ultimately opted for an alternation, granting the most important matches to Lunin. Despite this situation, Kepa always demonstrated professionalism and respect towards his teammate.

His experience at Real Madrid allowed him to win prestigious titles, such as La Liga and the Champions League. He also had the opportunity to play alongside world-class players and learn from one of the best coaches in the world.

Back in England, at Bournemouth, Kepa continues to progress and demonstrate his qualities. He remains a talented and experienced goalkeeper, capable of shining at the highest level.

His time at Real Madrid will remain an important chapter in his career, an experience rich in lessons and emotions.