Chelsea keeper Courtois to spend third loan season at Atletico Madrid

Thibaut Courtois will spend a third consecutive season on loan with Atletico Madrid.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper moved to Chelsea from Genk in 2011, but was immediately sent to Spain, where he has spent two very successful seasons.

A few people expected that returning boss Jose Mourinho, would consider the Belgium international, but the Portuguese looks set to retain Petr Cech as first choice at Stamford Bridge.

“I’m very happy because it’s what I was wanting,” Courtois told the Atletico website.

“I’ve always said that next season I wanted to continue at Atletico and compete in a competition as important as the Champions League, having achieved qualification in such a brilliant way.

“I’ve only thought about continuing to enjoy the incredible fans that we have and I hope that we can continue giving them plenty of joy.”

Atletico sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero, stated that keeping Courtois, was their major priority this summer.

“The continuity of Thibaut was one of our priorities for this season,” he said.

“We are very pleased to have him for another year. He has played almost every game and given us great confidence in his abilities.

“He had said he wanted to stay here so this gives everybody joy.”

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