Courtois hints next World Cup could be his last

Thibaut Courtois has said the next World Cup may be his last, while stressing that he wants to finish his club career at Real Madrid.

In a brief interview with Onda Cero journalist Alberto Pereiro, the Belgium international said he hopes to stay at Madrid for another four or five years. Courtois added that he has already spent eight years at the club and would like to end his playing days there.

He also said he renewed his contract last year, adding that the extension went largely unnoticed.

Courtois was more direct when talking about his international future. "Maybe this will be my last World Cup," he said.

If he remains in the Belgium set-up until the next tournament, he will be 38 by then. Courtois has been a key figure for both Real Madrid and Belgium in recent years, and his comments point to the final stretch of a distinguished career.