Atletico complete Courtois loan capture

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will spend a third successive season on loan at Atletico Madrid.

The two clubs have reached an agreement that allows the 21-year-old to continue to gain valuable first-team experience away from Stamford Bridge.

Courtois has made no secret of his desire to play week in, week out next season to boost his chances of taking part in the 2014 FIFA World Cup should Belgium qualify.

However, with Petr Cech firmly established as Chelsea’s number one, Courtois will look to develop in La Liga with Atletico.

Courtois was immediately loaned out by Chelsea to Atletico after joining from Genk in 2011 and has yet to make an appearance for the Premier League club.

It is a very different story at Atletico, though, as the youngster has played just under 100 games in Spain in all competitions, helping the club win the UEFA Europa League and the Copa del Rey.

A delighted Courtois told the club’s official website: “I am very happy because it’s what I wanted.

“I’ve always said that I wanted to continue next season at Atletico.”

Courtois is a firm crowd favourite at Atletico, with sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero tipping him to grow in stature in the new season.

Caminero said: “The continuity of Thibaut was one of our priorities for this season.

“We are very pleased to have him for another year.”