Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has claimed that he has been given permission to spend another season on loan at Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid.
The 21-year-old, who joined Chelsea in 2011, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Atletico, where he has developed into one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe.
It had been suggested that the Belgian would return this summer to provide competition for Blues number one Petr Cech, but Courtois has suggested that he will remain in the Spanish capital.
"I've chosen to stay at Atletico. I have to continue playing and at Chelsea there's Cech who has always been a great goalkeeper," he told reporters at a press conference.
"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."
Courtois won the Copa del Rey with Atletico last season.
Matt Law
