Thibaut Courtois misunderstood over Chelsea contract talks

Thibaut Courtois’ recent interview has been misinterpreted by fans and media alike. He remains committed to Chelsea despite his family situation.

A casual search of “Courtois” and “my heart is in Madrid” will reveal a multitude of articles about the Belgians future with Chelsea. Many have stopped at the quote and have looked no deeper.

Courtois’ loyalty to Chelsea is in question. That narrative is misleading at best and downright false at worst.

The quotes originate from an interview with Sport/Foot Magazine of Belgium. In it, Courtois explains that his children are in Madrid. He states that he visits them whenever he can but that the current situation is difficult.

That is it. “My heart is in Madrid” simply means “my children are in Madrid”. Few have looked that deep. The most common spin on the story is that Courtois is issuing a “come and get me” plea to Real Madrid.

Though Courtois does wax lyrical about the city and his time there, he never steeps into the realm of pushing for a move. He even says he is busy talking to Chelsea about an extension.

Courtois will meet with the club this month to discuss a new contract. The transfer window delayed talks. When the season ends, Courtois will be in the final year of his current contract.

A decision is needed before the summer. With a year left, Chelsea can either extend, sell him, or let him go for free. The last option is simply not allowable.

But one also has to step back and look at the criticism being thrown Courtois’ way for the quotes. Some see it as having his mind elsewhere. Others see it as a lack of loyalty. But at the end of the day it is about humanity.

Being away from one’s young children is incredibly difficult, especially as a footballer. Whatever Courtois decides, he should not be criticized. Chelsea should do the honorable thing and grant his wish whatever it may be.

At the end of the day, he is a human working a job. It is often easy to forget through all the passion and fandom that these players have lives outside of football. Courtois has been a great servant for the club. If he decides to put his family over Chelsea he should not be stopped.

In the same interview, Courtois said he was happy at Chelsea. That should be enough for fans to stay on his side until he makes a decision. His commitment is with the club.

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The media created this firestorm out of nothing but it did serve to raise an important yet often ignored question. Can footballers have loyalties beyond the club? In regards to family, the answer should always be yes.