Courtois to return to Atletico Madrid.
Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois has confirmed he will spend a third successive season on loan at Atletico Madrid.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper has spent the last two seasons at the Vicente Calderon and is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Genk in 2011.
Courtois has enjoyed two hugely successful seasons in La Liga and helped the Spaniards to win the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2012, as well as this season’s Copa Del Rey.
The Belgium international was also named La Liga’s top goalkeeper last season, with the lowest goals-to-game ratio in the division after conceding just 29 goals in 37 appearances.
Chelsea released back-up goalkeepers Ross Turnbull and Hilario on Friday, prompting speculation that Courtois would return to west London to act as competition for Petr Cech next term.
But, while neither Atletico or the Blues have announced a deal, the Belgian has confirmed he’ll been returning to Atletico for a third successive season.
“I’ve chosen to stay at Atletico,” Courtois is quoted as saying by talkSPORT.
“I have to continue playing and at Chelsea there’s [Petr] Cech who has always been a great goalkeeper.
“At Atletico I’m sure I can play and I can continue to be the first-choice keeper of the Red Devils [Belgium].
“I spoke with Mourinho and he told me the best thing is to continue maturing.
“In the course of the season, we will see if I return to London.”
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