Atlético de Madrid has announced in an official statement that an agreement has been reached with Chelsea to prolong Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois's loan spell for another season. Courtois is set for a third campaign at Atlético, where he has won three trophies and will now play in the Champions League.
Securing the shotstopper for another year was a priority for Atlético and manager Diego Simeone after his key role in the club's recent success, including winning two Europa League crowns, the European Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, and the team's direct qualification for the Champions League.
Since his arrival two years ago from Chelsea – the loan spell started in the summer of 2011 – Courtois has cemented a place in the first team. He did so first under Gregorio Manzano – his first manager at the club – and then Simeone, with whom he became the keeper to concede the fewest goals last season and has won his three trophies at the club.
Courtois played a key part in all the team's finals and especially the most recent one – the Copa del Rey final on 17th May at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid. The Belgian came to Atlético's rescue with two spectacular and decisive saves in extra-time to keep out Argentine Gonzalo Higuaín and German Mesut Ozil.
Courtois has made 99 competitive appearances between the posts for Atlético since his debut on 25th August 2011, against Vitória de Guimarães in the Europa League. He has not lost his place in the team since that moment and has only missed games through suspension, injury and squad rotation - Sergio Asenjo deputised in last season's Europa League.
The Belgian keeper was the regular choice in the other three competitions last year – in the European Super Cup, La Liga and Copa del Rey.
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