Real Madrid Confidencial Courtois Intervened to Try to Stop a Madrid Signing, Unexpected Revelation
Courtois, when he was Atlético de Madrid's goalkeeper, tried to prevent Craninx's signing for Real Madrid's youth academy.
Álex Craninx, now goalkeeper for IF Gnistan, was close to signing for Atlético Madrid. He had already committed to Real Madrid when Courtois tried to convince him to change his decision.
The Spanish-Belgian goalkeeper caught the attention of both the Merengues and the Rojiblancos after standing out in Málaga clubs. He finally arrived at La Fábrica in 2011. However, his signing was delayed because Atlético bid strongly and offered more money.
Courtois Called to Try to Convince Him
"I had been at the Madrid residence for a week, but Marbella wouldn't sign the transfer. Atlético wanted to pay more. They called me, and Courtois contacted my father to convince me," Craninx revealed.
The now IF Gnistan goalkeeper recalled the Belgian's persistence. "Courtois told my father that Madrid was the best place. Instead of convincing me to go to Atlético, he ended up reinforcing my decision to stay."
Since that episode, Craninx and Courtois have kept in touch. "We've always talked. When he got injured, I did too. The same surgeon operated on us, and we had parallel recoveries."
In 2017, Craninx left Madrid for Sparta Rotterdam. "I made a mistake by leaving on bad terms with the club. You don't leave Madrid; they kick you out," he confessed.
Courtois, from Atlético to Real Madrid
The Belgian played three seasons on loan at Atlético (2011-2014). Then, he returned to Chelsea and excelled in the Premier League. His performances led him to Madrid in 2018 for 35 million euros.
Craninx, meanwhile, went through several teams. He played for Cartagena, Molde, Lillestrom, Seraing, Fuenlabrada, and Gnistan. In 2023, he suffered a severe knee injury, just like Courtois.
On August 10, 2023, Courtois tore his ACL. Craninx was injured the previous month and was operated on August 8 by the same surgeon, Doctor Leyes.
"Every time I went for a check-up, they compared us," Craninx said. Although they didn't coincide at Madrid, their careers have remained intertwined.
Since Courtois's failed attempt to sign him for Atlético, their relationship remains alive with occasional messages. A bond that began with a call and has endured over the years.
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