Conte Issues Response To Thibaut Courtois Transfer To Real Madrid

Antonio Conte has insisted that Thibaut Courtois is going nowhere despite reports linking him to Real Madrid.

The Blues keeper has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu next summer, with reports that the La Liga giants have made initial contact with him.

However, Conte is adamant that Courtos will not leave Chelsea.

‘I think it’s not important to clarify the situation,’ Conte told reporters.

‘Thibaut, for me, is one of the best, if not the best goalkeeper in the world. He’s working very well, he stays with us, this is the most important thing.

‘The other situation is only speculation.’

He added: ‘In this season he’s playing very well. You can see he’s not just good with his hands but with his feet.

‘I think he’s a complete goalkeeper, a modern goalkeeper. For me now, he’s one of the best in the world, I don’t want to say he’s the best because he’s my player.

‘But I think he’s a fantastic goalkeeper – the top.’

The Belgian has been pivotal to Chelsea’s title challenge, keeping 10 clean sheets in their 12-game run.

Conte then threatened to move for Cristiano Ronaldo if Real continue with their advances.

“I think it’s good if a great club like Real Madrid sends a message to players who, at that moment, had a bad injury,” Conte said.

“Maybe, in the future, I’d like to do the same (to them). With (Cristiano) Ronaldo.”