Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has revealed he doesn't want to return to Stamford Bridge for the Champions League quarter-final. Chelsea reached the last-eight courtesy of a 2-1 aggregate win against Borussia Dortmund while Madrid overcame Liverpool 6-2 to book their place.
While some might think the former Chelsea player would relish the opportunity to show his former employers what they've been missing, Courtois has said he actually wants to avoid a reunion. The Belgian shot-stopper added he would also like to avoid the other English side to reach the last-eight in the form of Manchester City, who thrashed RB Leipzig 7-0 at the Etihad on Tuesday.
When asked who he would like Los Blancos to play in the Champions League quarter-final, Courtois replied: "I would like to change a bit. Last year we already faced City and Chelsea, let’s see if we play other teams this year.
READ MORE: Double injury boost, Mendy steps up - Three things spotted in Chelsea training ahead of Everton
"[Erling] Haaland is very good, he is one of the stars of football. Last year we made it clear what character we have in the team, with comebacks, we earn respect, we show that Real Madrid is always there."
Last season, Real Madrid beat three English sides on their route to lifting the biggest trophy in European club football. The Spanish giants knocked out Chelsea at the quarter-final stage, and the pair could be set for a repeat meeting 12 months on.
Alongside Chelsea, City and Madrid, the other sides awaiting their fate on Friday morning are Benfica, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli. AC Milan knocked out Tottenham in the round-of-16, and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is targeting a reunion with his former club in the final - but not with Chelsea.
Instead, he is keen on meeting Milan, who he played for between 1987 and 1992 and managed between 2001 and 2009. "To be honest, the ideal would be for us to meet Milan in the final in Istanbul, but there is a long way to go,’ Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia.
"Napoli are doing very well, they are dominating Serie A and can therefore concentrate entirely on the Champions League. All the potential opponents in the quarter final are dangerous, it will be a real battle."
The Champions League quarter-final draw will take place on Friday March 17 at 11am GMT. The remaining eight teams will also learn their route to the final with the semi-final draw also taking place.
The draw will be available to watch on UEFA's official website for viewers to stream for free live. football.london will also be providing comprehensive coverage on the day.
READ NEXT:
Champions League draw simulated: Chelsea get dream tie as Romelu Lukaku faces tough challenge
Best and worst-case Champions League draws for Chelsea as Graham Potter concern remains
Graham Potter can finally unleash Chelsea's own Kylian Mbappe vs Everton after seven month agony
Graham Potter has three N'Golo Kante questions to answer with Chelsea team selection vs Everton
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
