Thibaut Courtois has reiterated that he'd prefer to return to Madrid to be closer to his two young children and his ex-girlfriend.

Courtois spent several seasons with Atletico Madrid before returning to Chelsea.

"My personal situation is related to the city of Madrid," Courtois told Belgian outlet Sport/Foot Magazine.

"My two children live there with their mum. I have my daughter every day on FaceTime. She often tells me that she misses me. My son is still too small to communicate like that.

"Whenever I have the opportunity, I try to return to Spain. As a situation, it is not always easy. Yes, my heart is in Madrid. It is logical and understandable."

Courtois has been linked with Real Madrid in recent transfer windows.

Courtois said: "If they [Real Madrid] want me, they have to contact Chelsea. We'll see. But they have not done that. What is certain is that one day I will return to Madrid. I love Spain, I love the city, I spent three wonderful years there. It is there that I became an adult.

"Atletico was a real group of friends. We went out together and my teammates taught me a language I did not know at all when I arrived. When I left, I cried. My first days in London were not easy. England, when I arrived, was colder, more business. Now, I feel very good here.

"I understand that the rumours are coming back today, as we are talking about a new goalkeeper there [at Madrid]. But I do not pay much attention to that, I stay focused on Chelsea.

"If Real are really interested, my personal situation could influence things. The family aspect is priceless. But I repeat to you that, for the moment, I'm busy talking to Chelsea to extend."