Courtois happy to extend Atlético stay

Club Atlético de Madrid have reached an agreement with Chelsea FC that will allow goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to remain on loan with the Rojiblancos for a third season.

The 21-year-old Belgian international has proved a huge success in the Spanish capital since arriving as a replacement for Manchester United FC-bound David de Gea in August 2011. The former KRC Genk No1 won the UEFA Europa League in his first campaign and further glory followed when the Spanish side triumphed against Courtois' parent club Chelsea in the 2012 UEFA Super Cup.

Last season Courtois conceded just 29 goals in 37 Liga appearances as he collected the Ricardo Zamora Trophy – awarded to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-conceded to games ratio in the Spanish top flight. Atlético finished third and he also proved a key factor in the club's Copa del Rey showpiece win against Real Madrid CF at the Santiago Bernabéu last month.

Speaking after signing another one-year loan, the keeper said: "I am really happy because this deal is what I wanted. I always said that next season I wished to stay at Atlético and compete in a competition as important as the UEFA Champions League, especially after the fantastic way we qualified for the tournament. I hope we can give our incredible supporters even more reasons to be happy."

Diego Simeone's side will compete in next season's UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time since 2009/10.