Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is claiming he is Los Blancos No 1 goaltender, saying “it is clear who is No.1 at the club.”

The former Chelsea player joined the club in £35m deal at the start of the 2018-19 season in controversial circumstances.

The Belgium international was first choice between the sticks for the majority of last season, under both Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari, making 27 La Liga starts for Los Blancos.

However, Costa Rican international Keylor Navas remained the option for Champions League and Copa del Rey games, with Zinedine Zidane also starting him in league games following his return to the club in March.

Navas had been expected to move on this summer, however the veteran goal keeper now looks set to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu, however Courtois is determined to be No.1 under Zidane.

“I think it is clear who is No.1 at the club now,” he told an interview with Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad as cited by Football Espana.

“I have returned to pre-season in good shape, my body fat is lower than last season, and I feel good.

“I am confident for the season ahead and I hope I can continue this way for the rest of the campaign.”

The 27-year old has started in goal for both of Real Madrid’s two pre-season friendly games so far, against Bayern Munich and Arsenal.

Photo Credit: Sky Sports