Thibaut Courtois issues come-and-get-me plea to Real Madrid despite Chelsea contract talks

David Cooper - Writer 10:08 07/02/2018
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  • Thibaut Courtois

    Thibaut Courtois has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Real Madrid after saying his “heart is in Madrid”.

    The 25-year-old goalkeeper is in the middle of negotiations for a new deal with Chelsea as his current contract expires next year.

    Los Blancos have been linked with moves for a new No1 after missing out on Athletic Bilbao’s promising young goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga last month.

    The reigning Spanish and European champions have reportedly switch their attentions back to Manchester United’s David De Gea but speaking with Belgian outlet Sport/Foot Magazine, Courtois spoke of his affection for Madrid.

    “My personal situation is related to the city of Madrid,” he said. “My two children live there with their mum. I have my daughter every day on FaceTime. She often tells me that she misses me. My son is still too small to communicate like that.

    “Whenever I have the opportunity, I try to return to Spain. As a situation, it is not always easy. Yes, my heart is in Madrid. It is logical and understandable.

    “If they want me, they have to contact Chelsea. We’ll see. But they have not done that. What is certain is that one day I will return to Madrid. I love Spain, I love the city, I spent three wonderful years there [with Atletico Madrid]. It is there that I became an adult.

    “Atletico was a real group of friends. We went out together and my team-mates taught me a language I did not know at all when I arrived. When I left, I cried. My first days in

    Her first game in the stadium supporting daddy! 👧🏻💙

    A post shared by Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) on

    London were not easy. England, when I arrived, was colder, more business. Now, I feel very good here.

    “I understand that the rumours are coming back today, as we are talking about a new goalkeeper there [at Real]. But I do not pay much attention to that, I stay focused on Chelsea.

    “If Real are really interested, my personal situation could influence things. The family aspect is priceless. But I repeat to you that, for the moment, I’m busy talking to Chelsea to extend.”

    Courtois is in contract negotiations with Chelsea and confirmed talks will continue this month.

    He added: “We agreed to meet again in February because the club had more urgent issues to deal with in January.

    “There is no rush, I am under contract until 2019. Normally, there is no problem, I will extend. I am happy here and I see a club that still wants to win a lot of titles. The signs are positive.

    “Their desire to also extend Eden Hazard’s deal reassures me.”

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