The Belgium international spent two years on loan at Atletico Madrid before becoming Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper.
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has expressed his desire to return to La Liga at the end of his stay at Stamford Bridge, the Daily Mirror reports.
The 24-year-old emerged as one of the world’s finest goalkeepers during a two-year loan spell at Atletico Madrid, winning the Spanish title before returning to Chelsea in 2014 and becoming the club’s number one stopper.
Courtois still holds a large affiliation towards life in Spain and, with two years left on his current deal at Chelsea, the Belgium international is reportedly keen to decide his own fate at the end of his contract.
Speaking to Spanish publication Marca, Courtois said: “When I left Spain I had it clear in my mind that one day I was going to return there.
“I feel half Spanish. When I said goodbye I had a bad time. I had cold blood, it was not easy. I cried.
“From the first minute I fell in love with Spain for its people, lifestyle, food… I still eat dinner and then have an afternoon nap, most of the television I see is Spanish… I am half Spanish. I have a contract with Chelsea for three more years.
“In 2018, when I enter the final year of my contract, we will have to evaluate if it is better to renew or walk away.”
Courtois continues to be linked to Atletico’s bitter city rivals Real, and he made a surprising revaluation about his potential suitors.
“Real Madrid made a very kind gesture to me when I injured my knee they sent me a fax wishing me a quick recovery,” he said.
Whether this suggests the La Liga giants will make a move for Courtois at the end of his contract remains to be seen, but he is due to be in demand whether he decides to stay at Stamford Bridge or leave.
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