Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois: I've learned how to handle my critics

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is delighted with his New Year form.

The Belgian kept his eighth clean sheet in eleven games in the recent 1-0 win over Real Valladolid, and things are finally looking up for the goalkeeper.

"I had to be strong to overcome the difficult moments," he told Real Madrid TV.

"Just like when you do when you're 20 years old, you take things to heart, but over time you learn."

Courtois has played at other top clubs like Chelsea and Atletico Madrid but the 27-year-old feels that life at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu is something different..

"Being a Madrid player is important.

"Everything is important here - every game, every training session.

"Here there is pressure and you have to know how to take it.

"I really want to fight to win the Champions League and LaLiga Santander. Winning with Madrid is the peak," he stated.

"At Madrid, you can never relax, you are never calm.

"When you wear this shirt, you know the pressure that comes with is, that's why they win so many titles."