Football
Adriana Garcia 7y

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois: I won't be at Real Madrid next season

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has quashed speculation that he could play for Real Madrid next season.

Courtois has been linked with Madrid since last season, and Marca recently reported that they could move for him if they fail to acquire Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea in the summer.

But Belgium international Courtois, who spent three years on loan at Atletico Madrid before replacing Petr Cech as the No. 1 at Stamford Bridge in 2014, told Cadena Ser radio: "I don't see myself at Real Madrid.

"I see myself at Chelsea, the club that six years ago saw me playing in Belgium and gave me the opportunity to sign for them.

"They also allowed me to be three years at Atletico, which helped me to be the keeper that I am now.

"I feel that I'm key to the team, I'm very happy at Chelsea, and I don't see myself anywhere else."

Asked whether he would play for Real next season, the 24-year-old answered: "No."

Courtois said he would like to extend his deal with Chelsea, which expires in June 2019, but has yet to be offered a contract extension.

He added: "But for the time being, we have not spoken about a contract extension. We are focusing on the league.

"We will see at the end of the season if they offer me something. For the time being, there has not been an offer.

"I'm happy in London and I'm delighted with the success we are having this season."

Under new coach Antonio Conte, Chelsea are 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League and Courtois said: "We are working well with Conte.

"I see that there is a long-term project to win trophies, not just domestically but also in Europe. There is a lot of ambition to play in the Champion League next season."

Courtois said earlier this season he would like to return to Spain one day and added: "I owe a lot to Spain and I go often there to visit the family, who are in Madrid. But I'm happy in London."

Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas, meanwhile, refused to talk about reports that the club are keen to bring in another goalkeeper.

The Costa Rica international told Marca: "Every player of Real Madrid is under the microscope."

Navas has been under pressure this season after some mistakes, but Courtois said: "Perhaps Keylor is not having the season he had last season, but we all know he is a very good goalkeeper."

^ Back to Top ^