Courtois makes Spain claim

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has said he will be returning to Atletico Madrid next season.

The 21-year-old Belgium international joined Chelsea from Genk in 2011 but was immediately allowed to join Atletico on loan and he has enjoyed two hugely successful years at the Spanish outfit.

Neither Chelsea or Atletico have confirmed a deal has been struck but the Belgian said on Saturday he will be heading back to Spain. He was quoted by media in Spain and Belgium as saying at a national team press conference in Kortrijk: "I've chosen to stay at Atletico."

He added: "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). In the course of the season, we will see if I return to London."

In 2012 Courtois helped the Rojiblancos win the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup, while last season he won the Zamora Trophy as the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-game ratio in the Primera Division after conceding 29 goals in 37 appearances.

Courtois started for Belgium on Friday night as they beat Serbia 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in Brussels and claims to have the blessing of incoming Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to remain in Spain.

"I spoke with Mourinho and he told me the best thing is to continue maturing," he added.