Thibaut Courtois lifts the FA Cup win at Wembley
Thibaut Courtois lifts the FA Cup win at Wembley

Thibaut Courtois: We will decide Chelsea future after World Cup


Antonio Conte's future is not the only one in doubt at Chelsea, with Thibaut Courtois putting off talk until after the World Cup.

The Blues finished a disappointing season by lifting the FA Cup on Saturday, beating Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley thanks to Eden Hazard's first-half penalty.

It was the best moment in a frustrating campaign as they failed to build on last season's Premier League triumph, with a tepid title defence underpinned by background tension that leaves many speculating that manager Antonio Conte will soon leave.

Courtois is not sure where the Italian's future lies - "whatever he or the club decides, they will know what they do," the goalkeeper said - nor does he know where he will spend the 2018-19 campaign.

"Like I said in the last weeks or months, I think we'll see after the World Cup whether I am a Chelsea player for next year," the Belgium international admitted.

"We'll see what is going to happen after the World Cup."

Belgium 10/1 to win 2018 World Cup, Courtois 7/1 to win Golden Glove

Thibaut Courtois (left) and Cesar Azpilicueta (right) celebrate Chelsea's FA Cup win
Thibaut Courtois (left) and Cesar Azpilicueta (right) celebrate Chelsea's FA Cup win

Courtois has been heavily linked with Real Madrid and it appears Chelsea need to win over their goalkeeper.

With his contract running out in 2019, the 26-year-old believes the Blues have to dig deep to have any chance of a title challenge next term.

Asked if Chelsea need a big summer to add players in order to challenge for the title, Courtois said: "Yeah, I think so. I think especially if you see how City and United are spending and working.

"I think if we want to aim for the top, we should do the same - obviously within the limits of what's possible as well.

"I think that the transfer market has gone pretty crazy. Nowadays you pay £80million for a defender I think - that's crazy figures.

"We'll see what's going on and I am sure the board will do what needs to be done."


Courtois odds: To sign for before September 3, 2018 (via Sky Bet)

Real Madrid - 6/4
Atletico Madrid - 8/1
PSG - 16/1
Barcelona - 25/1

Click here to see the list in full, along with more transfer specials from the online bookmaker...


Chelsea celebrate winning the 2018 FA Cup
Chelsea celebrate winning the 2018 FA Cup

Courtois was pleased by his own display at Wembley and to crown a campaign in which they stumbled home fifth with the FA Cup.

"Well, satisfaction because we won a trophy," he added, reflecting on the season as a whole.

"I think that's what football is about, winning titles, and today is one and the FA Cup is a big trophy to win.

"I am very happy about that but obviously missing out on the Champions League is not what we hoped for, but we have to keep working next year and have a good season again and add some more trophies.

"After a season with ups and down, I think this feels really good. It is a good way to finish this year."

Odds correct as of 1250 BST 20/05/18

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