Premier League star reflects on his short stint at Real Madrid – ‘A season to remember’ | OneFootball

Following an ACL injury to Thibaut Courtois just before the start of the 2023/24 season, Real Madrid roped in Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea as an emergency signing.

The Spanish international was on his way to Bayern Munich, but made a swerve after learning about Los Blancos’ interest and ended up moving to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Even though it was a short stint that lasted only a season, Kepa enjoyed a memorable campaign, winning La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup trophies.

Reminiscing his stint at Real Madrid during a chat with Sky Sports, Kepa said:

“Just a year but I enjoyed it a lot. We finished it in the best way, winning La Liga and the Champions League. Obviously I had ups and downs.”

Kepa spent a season at Real Madrid. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Soon after his arrival, Kepa was installed as the preferred starter in goal by manager Carlo Ancelotti but an injury saw him lose his spot to Andriy Lunin, who made the most of his chance and became the preferred starter.

Even though he had some ups and downs, the Spaniard admitted that it was a season to remember for him, saying:

“I starting playing, I was doing well and then I got injured. After injury I got less minutes but at the same time I felt important in the team. We had a really good season, I think we lost just two games in 60-70 games. A season to remember, for sure.”

Kepa finished the 2023/24 season with Real Madrid making 20 appearances in which he conceded 18 goals and kept nine clean sheets.

While the Spaniard hoped to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, it was not to be. Having returned to Chelsea, the goalkeeper joined AFC Bournemouth on loan last summer.