Chelsea star issues come and get me plea to Real Madrid

Thibaut Courtois has revealed his heart is still in Spain and told Real Madrid to contact Chelsea if they want to sign him.

The Belgium international is a top transfer target for Madrid this summer as they finally look to replace current No.1 Keylor Navas.

Zinedine Zidane’s side are widely expected to move for Courtois or Manchester United star David de Gea in the summer, but a deal for the former appears the more straightforward.

Courtois spent three years on loan at Atletico Madrid before returning to Chelsea in 2014 and his children are still leaving in the Spanish capital with their mother.

Chelsea are desperate to tie down Courtois’ long-term future before the end of the season but the 25-year-old has only fuelled a summer return to Spain with his latest comments.

“My personal situation is related to the city of Madrid,” he told Belgian publication Sport/Foot Magazine, via Sky Sports. “My two children live their 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]. 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 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 widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe but Chelsea’s current demise can surely not be helping resolve his future. 

There has been a lot of speculation regarding Antonio Conte’s immediate future at Stamford Bridge following a dreadful run of results that has left Chelsea clinging on to a spot in the top four.

Despite Chelsea’s mixed results this season, only De Gea (15) has kept more clean sheets in the Premier League than Courtois (12) this season.