Courtois: It'll motivate me if Atletico supporters throw things at my head LaLiga Santander - Real Madrid To visit the Wanda Metropolitano

They may have a new stadium, but Thibaut Courtois will be experiencing a return of sorts when Real Madrid visit Atletico Madrid next Saturday and the goalkeeper is prepared for a hostile reception.

Having now moved to Los Rojiblancos' rivals, he isn't ruling out that objects might be thrown at him.

"Do I expect that they'll throw things? During the whole match," he said in an interview with Nieus Blad when discussing the reception he can expect at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.

"I experienced something like that in Belgium.

"Against Anderlecht, they threw lighters and at Eupen a beer.

"Sadly, that's part of football.

"I've not had negative reactions on the street, apart from one fan shouting 'Aupa Atleti' at me when I was at a petrol station.

"Mostly it's limited to social media, where it's easy to be anonymous, or by spitting on my plaque at the stadium.

"I don't care.

"If this makes them happy then good for them.

"If they want to throw things at my head next week then that's fine, it won't affect me and will be extra motivation."

He went on to explain his reasoning for the move, pointing out that footballers have to take such decisions.

"Players take decisions for our careers," he said.

"Going to Atletico was a good choice when I was young and I had three fantastic years there, while I grew as a person and a footballer," he said.

"But now another chapter has arrived.

"I was always a fan of Iker Casillas, so also of Real Madrid.

"I don't think I should miss an opportunity like this just because I played for Atletico.

"I gave my all for Atletico during those three years, nobody can say I didn't."

The Madrid derby kicks off at 16:15 CET on Saturday, February 9.