Courtois says he would like to return to Madrid

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has said that he would like to rejoin Atletico Madrid at some stage and appears to have suggested it could happen as soon as 2018.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, the Belgian keeper was asked if he would like to return to Atletico, where he spent three seasons on loan from the Blues.

“Yes, but not only because of the club, but how Madrid is and the whole country,” Courtois is quoted as saying.

“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.

“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.”