Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has warned he will consider all of his options if he is not in agreement over a new deal by the end of the season.

The Belgian stopper’s current deal expires in 18 months time, and various reports have linked him with a move to Real Madrid.

Courtois himself has insisted that he is happy at Stamford Bridge, but says a decision on his future may be influenced by personal circumstances with his two children living in Spain with his former girlfriend.

“It [my private situation] is not always easy,” he said. “But I’d also seen this coming. I knew that she [his former 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.”

“My private situation is always gnawing a little bit, but for the rest, I’m feeling very good at Chelsea.”

“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 hastily 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.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports]