Courtois returns to Atletico Madrid on loan

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – MAY 09: Thibault Courtois of Atletico Madrid in action during the UEFA Europa League Final between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at the National Arena on May 9, 2012 in Bucharest, Romania.

Madrid, June 28 – Spanish club Atletico Madrid have confirmed a deal with Chelsea to keep young goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on loan for another season.

Courtois spent last season with Atletico Madrid after joining Chelsea from Belgian side, Genk, and was an immediate success, winning a place in the first team and forming part of the team that ended the season crowned as Europa League champions following a 3-0 win over Athletic Club Bilbao in the final, reported Xinhua.

The goalkeeper, who has only celebrated his 20th birthday in May had stated that he would be delighted to return to the Vicente Calderon after his rapid adaption to the team, but there was a doubt over whether or not Chelsea would want him to stay in England in order to provide cover for veteran keeper Petr Cech.

In the end the English side have opted to give the chance for Courtois to continue to gain first team experience.

Ironically one of his first appearances for Atletico Madrid in the coming season will be against Chelsea as Europa League winners, Atletico take on the Champions League winners in the European Supercup in Monaco at the end of August.