Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois feels he will finally get the respect he deserves after his man-of-the-match performance helped the LaLiga champions claim a record-extending 14th European Cup triumph on Saturday.

Photo: Reuters

Real beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final courtesy of a Vinicius Junior goal but the Belgian's saves made the difference at the Stade de France. 

"It's incredible, so many years, so much work. Come to the club of my life. I saw many criticising me. Today we have shown who is the King of Europe,"

— Thibaut Courtois

"I needed to win a final for my career, to put some respect on my name," Courtois said after making a staggering nine saves.

Photo: Reuters

"I'm really happy and proud of the performance of the team. We've beaten the best clubs in the world. (Manchester) City and Liverpool were unbelievable this season. Liverpool played a great game but we had one chance and we scored it."

Courtois, Chelsea's keeper from 2011-18, said the first of his saves, when he denied Mo Salah early on, gave him the confidence he needed for the rest of the game.

Photo: Reuters

"It's incredible, so many years, so much work. Come to the club of my life. I saw many criticising me. Today we have shown who is the King of Europe," he said.

Courtois with 59 saves has now set the new record for saves in a single Champions League since 2003/04 (since the new format has existed. (In addition, with 9 saves he set a new record in a UCL final since 2003/04.

"I felt good the last few weeks. Once you make the first stop. Nobody could take away my desire to win the Champions League."

Photo: Reuters

There was only one downside for Courtois - he missed his brother's wedding but promised to make up for his absence.

"I feel sorry for my brother, who is getting married tomorrow and I can't be there," he said. "On Monday there is another civil marriage and I will be there."