Chelsea number one goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois announced the reason as to why he is yet to commit to the club and sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge - amid strong interest from Real Madrid.
Personal problems for Courtois
The Belgian shot-stopper has some ongoing domestic difficulties in his personal life which is preventing him from signing a new contract - despite claiming he does enjoy his time in England. Courtois has just 18 months left on his current contract - thus putting Spanish giants Real Madrid on high alert as they pursue a top-class goalkeeper to help them fight off Barcelona to La Liga title.
Courtois split with Marta Dominguez - the mother of his children - last year and according to the Mirror, is struggling with the distance between them after she decided to take them back to Spain. Courtois admits that the situation is 'not easy' for him but did insist that he 'knew' she would move back to Madrid to raise the children after the split.
Courtois currently struggling with life in England
Clearly Courtois is struggling with life so far away from his children and he's currently questioning whether he should stay in England with Chelsea or return to Spain with Madrid having an interest in his services. The 25-year-old explained that he wants to 'take his time' making a decision because it's an important decision to make.
Chelsea offered The Belgian a new contract back in May but he rejected the offer and at that time it was understood that he wanted to earn as much as Manchester United keeper David De Gea - £200k-per-week.
Courtois still feels good at Chelsea
The 25-year-old signed for Chelsea in 2011 but then went straight back to Atletico Madrid on loan for three years.
Upon his return to Stamford Bridge in 2014, Courtois quickly cemented his place in the first-team and has an obvious talent which hugely benefits the Chelsea squad.
He claims to be 'feeling very good' with the Blues but insists that it's not the right time to make hasty decisions. However, the good news for Chelsea fans is that Courtois does seem to want to remain with the club - in spite of the situation surrounding his personal life.
He says that he and the club will 'sit around a table soon and talk openly' and that he 'wants an agreement by the end of the season'.
Conte desperate to keep the Belgian
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will be hoping to keep Courtois at the club for as long as possible. He's been a key factor in the recent success at the club and at such a young age for a goalkeeper, he still has a lot to learn and will continue to improve and he gains more experience between the posts.
