Last updated on .From the section European Football

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois officially signed a six-year deal with Real Madrid on Thursday, ending his seven-year spell at Chelsea.

The Belgium number one, 26, completed his move to the Spanish capital hours after Chelsea confirmed external-link 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. external-link

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.

On Monday Courtois was absent from Chelsea's Cobham training ground, where he was due to take part following his involvement at the World Cup.

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 external-link posted on Wednesday. "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."

Midfielder Kovacic, 24, had been at Real for three seasons since joining from Inter Milan and helped Croatia reach the final of the World Cup.

"I am really happy and excited to be here. It is an amazing feeling," Kovacic told Chelsea's website.

"I will try to do my best for this club. It is a new league for me, the beginning is always tough but I am sure the coach and my new team-mates will help me and I am looking forward to a great season."

Mateo Kovacic played in five games for Croatia at the World Cup in Russia

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: "He is a perfect fit for us this season, his style is well suited to how Maurizio [Sarri] wants to play and we are sure he will prove to be a valuable asset for the club."

Kovacic helped Real win three Champions Leagues in a row in his three seasons at the club.

He is the second-youngest player to have scored in the Champions League after netting against Lyon at just 17.