Still to sign a contract renewal with Chelsea, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois acknowledged in an interview how special the city of Madrid is for him, where his two children reside.
The Belgian is certain that he will return to the Spanish capital one day and recognises that his personal situation could influence him to sign for Real Madrid in the future.
However, he is currently in negotiations with the Blues with a view to staying at Stamford Bridge - for now.
"My personal situation is related to Madrid," he said to 'Sport Foot Magazine.' "You know, my two children live there with their mother and I talk to my daughter every day on 'Facetime.' "She often tells me that she misses me, but my son is still very small to communicate that way.
"Every time I have an opportunity, I try to make a trip back to Spain because this situation is not always easy. "Yes, my heart is in Madrid, it's logical and understandable."
On whether the arrangement with his children could tip the balance when it comes to signing for Real Madrid, Courtois was clear.
"If Real are really interested, my personal situation could affect things, yes," he continued."The family aspect is priceless. "I understand the rumours, but I don't pay much attention to that, I'm focussed on Chelsea."If Real Madrid want me, they have to contact Chelsea, but they never have.
"The truth is that one day I will return to Madrid; I loved that city and spent three wonderful years there. "When I left, I cried, and my first days in London were not easy: it was colder, more businesslike... Now I feel very much here."
If the long term is in Madrid, the short term is very much in west London.
"Chelsea and I agreed to meet in February because in January the club had more urgent issues to deal with," he noted. "There is no hurry, I have a contract until 2019 and normally there is no problem.
"I am going to renew, I am happy here and I see the club still going in the direction of wanting to win many titles."
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