Thibaut Courtois has delivered a clear message regarding his future at Real Madrid, with the veteran goalkeeper admitting that his dream is to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu until the end of his playing career.
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The Belgian international addressed several topics while speaking during a press conference with his national team, including his contract situation, Real Madrid’s long-term planning and his thoughts on working again with Jose Mourinho.
With speculation occasionally surfacing over the future of senior players at the club, Courtois’ latest comments leave little doubt about where he sees himself in the years ahead.
Wants to end his career at Real Madrid
At 34 years of age and a contract until 2027, Courtois understands that Real Madrid have a specific policy when it comes to experienced players.
The club has traditionally preferred offering shorter extensions to players over the age of 30, allowing greater flexibility when planning for the future.
However, the goalkeeper does not appear concerned by the situation and remains confident about his standing at the club.
Courtois is not worried about his contract. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
“At Real Madrid, the policy is that, once you turn thirty, your contract is renewed on a year-by-year basis. So I’m quite relaxed about it.
“If I keep performing as I have been, a contract renewal won’t be a problem.
“But Real Madrid is a top-tier club and, at some point, they’ll also have to think about a successor. For me, the ideal scenario would be to finish my career in Madrid,” he said, according to AS.
On Mourinho reunion
Courtois also addressed the arrival of Jose Mourinho, a manager with whom he shares a long history dating back to their time together in England.
The goalkeeper revealed that communication between coach and player has already taken place, while also stressing that many members of the squad remain focused on international commitments.
Courtois has played under Mourinho. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
“Xabi Alonso also called me last year, after he’d signed. Besides, right now all the players are mainly focused on the World Cup; the club takes that into account.”
The Belgian also reflected on his previous experiences under Mourinho, recalling some memorable moments from their time together.
“We also had our occasional disagreements (laughs). For example, he benched me against Everton because I’d crossed the ball twice from the wing in the previous match against Aston Villa.
“It was his way of provoking me. The following week, I was back in goal against West Ham and made five or six crucial saves.
“Mourinho is a very direct manager; I’m the same. Our relationship has always been very good,” he concluded.