Courtois to seek challenges away from Chelsea

Ian Watson

Thibaut Courtois admits he won’t end his career at Chelsea, but the Belgium keeper has no immediate plans to leave.

The Belgium keeper has been on the books at Stamford Bridge since 2011 but Courtois spent three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid before displacing Petr Cech two years ago.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a return to Spain, with Real Madrid and Barcelona both linked at various times over the last year. Despite mixed form last season, incoming coach Antonio Conte is said to be keen to keep Courtois happy, and while the keeper doesn’t see himself staying at Stamford Bridge for the rest of his career, he is in no rush to find his next challenge.

When asked if he might retire at Chelsea, Courtois told Belgian outlet Sporza: “It’s hard to say. I don’t think I will end my career there.

“I didn’t have [a favourite club growing up].

“In Spain I watched a lot of Madrid and Barca.

“In Germany I watched Bayern and Dortmund, in England, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, and in Italy Juventus and Milan.

“There wasn’t one favourite but I always wanted to play at those clubs.

“I don’t necessarily have a desire to play there, I’m already at a beautiful club, Chelsea which I always admired.

“But we will see.”