Friday, 2nd November, 2012
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois wants to help Atletico Madrid into the Champions League for next season – and then play in the competition.
Courtois is currently on his second season-long loan at Atletico Madrid from English giants Chelsea, who snapped him up from Genk in the summer of 2011 and then shipped him off to La Liga to play regular first team football.
Sources in Spain have suggested that Chelsea want Courtois back from Atletico next summer, when they will then look to send him on loan to another English club, believing it is essential that the shot-stopper gets experience of the cut and thrust of the Premier League.
But Courtois, who is a popular figure at the Vicente Calderon and is thoroughly enjoying his time in Spain, has hinted that he wants a third season at Atletico.
"I do not know where the rumour that I will be loaned to another English team next year came from, but I’m concentrating only on Atletico", Courtois wrote on his Twitter account.
"Our goal is the Champions League and I would like to play [in it]."
relatedNewsStoryIt remains to be seen whether Courtois will be allowed to stay in Spain for a further year if Diego Simeone’s men do qualify for the Champions League.
Joint-top of La Liga, the capital club have been enjoying a superb season so far and are on course to make it though.
They and Courtois are in action against Valencia at the weekend in a crucial match.
Don’t bet on Valencia v Atletico Madrid without reading our betting preview!
