Thibaut Courtois has thanked Chelsea fans for their ‘years of support’ ahead of his switch to Real Madrid.

Courtois agreed to join Madrid yesterday, bringing an end his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

Madrid are expected to pay around £35 million for the Belgium international, while midfielder Mateo Kovacic also joined the Blues on a season-long loan as part of the deal.

Personal terms and a medical are yet to be completed for Courtois, however he has already been announced as a Madrid player on the club’s official website.

Courtois joined Chelsea in 2011, but spent the first three seasons of his Blues career on-loan with Atletico Madrid, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most talented young keepers.

And after four successful seasons at The Bridge and two Premier League titles under his belt, the 26-year-old will now return to the city in which he first made his name.

👋 Welcome to @realmadrid, @thibautcourtois!#WelcomeCourtois| #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/Qe0ctR3AUr

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 8, 2018

In a Facebook video posted on Wednesday night, Courtois said: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the four fantastic years that have passed. Chelsea will always have a special place in my heart.

“I was very happy to be part of one of the biggest teams in the world. I fulfilled a childhood dream playing in the Premier League.

“A huge thank you to all my team-mates and the technical staff, who I shared success and amazing moments with.

“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.

“I wish you all the best for the future. It was a great honour to be part of the CFC family.”

Courtois starred at the World Cup this summer in Russia, winning the Golden Glove as Belgium finished third.