Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois shrugs off Real Madrid talk and plans to stay

Thibaut Courtois has insisted he will remain at Chelsea and dismissed speculation that he will move to Real Madrid next season.

The Belgian international goalkeeper has been linked with a move to the European champions if they fail to secure a deal for Manchester United’s David De Gea. But, speaking to the Spanish radio station Cadena Sur, Courtois said he was happy at Chelsea and grateful to the Premier League club for the opportunities they had given him.

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“I don’t see myself at Real Madrid,” he said. “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 Atlético [Madrid], which helped me to be the keeper that I am now.”

Courtois, who has been Chelsea’s No1 since displacing Petr Cech in 2014, added that he is keen to extend his current contract at Stamford Bridge, which runs out in 2019.

“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,” the goalkeeper said. Chelsea lead the Premier League by 10 points and have reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Meanwhile Courtois’ Belgium team-mate Radja Nainggolan has distanced himself from a summer move to Chelsea by declaring himself happy at Roma. The midfielder has become one of Europe’s most sought-after players after scoring 12 goals this term to propel Roma to second in Serie A.

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However, in quotes reported by gazzetta.it, the 28-year-old played down speculation linking him with a move to England. “In Rome I’m fine,” said Nainggolan. “My family is happy and even the weather is often good.

“Sometimes you make choices for the money, others for the quality of life, which matters a lot to me. Also, if I went to England, I would have to start from scratch, but I repeat: I am very well in Rome. China? Currently no, but you can never say never. We need to see right now.”