Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, with the two time defending European champions making no secret of their interest in the Belgian. Courtois has very strong family ties to Spain, and he’s been vocal about his affection for Spanish culture.
Courtois developed an affinity for life in Spain back when he was on loan with Atletico Madrid for three years. His two children currently live in Madrid with his ex-girlfriend, and during the season, the Blues #1 doesn’t get to see them very often. With his Chelsea contract expiring in June of 2019, and talks of a potential extension delayed, Courtois felt the need to open up about his future.
He said in an interview with VTM Stadion:
“It (being away from his children) is not always easy, but I’d also seen this coming,”
“I knew that she (ex-girlfriend) would return to Madrid, so that has its influence too. I love my children to death. When you miss them, you are sometimes wondering: shouldn’t I play in Spain in the next few years? That’s why I want to take my time to make a decision on that contract extension.”
Courtois disputed reports claiming that his deal in signing a new deal is all about salary demands.
“In the media they’re always talking about money. I’m not denying that it plays a role, but everything has to be in its right place. If I sign a new contract, I will want to say to Chelsea: Look, I commit myself for an ‘X’ amount of years,” he continued.
In spite of all the signs that would potentially indicate a potential move to Spain, Thibaut Courtois has made it very clear that he is content at Stamford Bridge. He also strongly conveyed that he doesn’t see any reason why a contract extension deal won’t get done. However, he also made it clear that he won’t be rushing into anything.
“I am happy here. I like playing for the club, I like London. My private situation is always gnawing a little bit, but for the rest I’m feeling very good at Chelsea,” Courtois added.
“I don’t see any reason why I won’t sign a new deal. I just want to consider all options. Everything has to be right.”
“It’s not the right moment to make hasty decisions.”
“Not for Chelsea, not for me. Within a couple of months we will sit around the table again and talk openly.”
“There’s no pressure, apart from the media. The club knows that too. Basically I want an agreement before the end of the season.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.