Joe Hart says he’s ‘under no illusions Real Madrid are going to knock my door down, get Courtois out and bring me in’
JOE HART joked that Real Madrid wouldn't be "knocking his door down" to bring him in between the sticks at the Bernabeu over Thibaut Courtois anytime soon.
The former England No1 made light of his contract woes as he looks destined to end his uneventful spell at Burnley.
The 33-year-old moved to Turf Moor in 2018 but has gone on to clock up just 24 appearances, with only three coming this season.
Hart has been told his contract will not be renewed and looks to face his final day at the club today.
But the former England international is looking on the brighter side as he remains optimistic of a new suitor while joking that he won't be hitting the big time with European giants Real Madrid anytime soon.
The Clarets stopper told the BBC: "The fact I have had to sit on the bench for 18 months in the Premier League is not going to define or crush me,
"I remember who I am. I remember playing for my local Sunday league team and trying to get into the Shrewsbury Town first team.
"I learned early - you need to keep things in perspective.
"You can have great things said about you in football, but you have to be strong on self-criticism, analyse what you are doing and be comfortable with it.
"Maybe from the outside, people are thinking it is a time for panic, but from the inside it is a time to look forward and see all the opportunities.
"I am young when it comes to goalkeeping. I am even younger when it comes to the mental age of a guy who just wants to go in goal and have people whack balls at him.
"I am under no illusions that Real Madrid are going to knock my door down, get Courtois out and bring me in.
"But there is plenty more to come from me.
"I just need someone to believe in me and I will repay that faith."
SunSport had a look at the five possible destinations for the free Burnley keeper, as many clubs look to land cheap deals in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
Celtic will reportedly offer Hart a Scottish Premiership lifeline - if they fail to sign Fraser Forster in a permanent deal.
While he has also been linked with moves to Championship sides Derby and Leeds, along with Turkish club Besiktas.