Thibaut Courtois thinking of Spain return
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has hinted that he could be set to leave the club in the next few years.
Speaking with Spanish source Marca (h/t Sport Witness), Courtois sees himself as half-Spanish following his time with Atletico Madrid on loan from Chelsea and that he fell in love with country and it’s way of life.
“Yes [I’m longing for a return to Spain], but not only for the club (Atletico), but how Madrid is and the whole country. From the first minute I fell in love with Spain for its people, lifestyle, food… I still maintain eating dinner and then an afternoon nap, most of the television I see is Spanish… I am half Spanish.”
When asked for a more definitive answer on whether he would return to La Liga, Courtois said it was clear that when he left he would return one day.
“When I left Spain it was clear that one day I would return there.” he claimed.
The 24-year-old Belgian is still under contract with Chelsea until the summer of 2019. He doesn’t rule out extending his contract with the Blues and staying in the Premier League, and a definitive decision will be made in the summer of 2018.
“I have a contract at Chelsea for three seasons. In 2018, when I enter the final year of the contract, we will assess whether to renew or leave.”
Chelsea have Asmir Begovic as their No.2 – a largely experienced and capable goalkeeper at this level but letting a player of Courtois’ calibre would be a decision which would come under much scrutiny.