Thibaut Courtois can’t wait to start writing a new chapter of his career at Chelsea.

Like many of his new team-mates, Courtois’ return to training was delayed by his involvement in the World Cup.

Now, in his first interview with the official Chelsea website since joining our European training camp, the goalkeeper anticipates what lies ahead. First, though, he starts by recalling his Stamford Bridge debut, back in April.



Chelsea supporters watching our Champions League semi-final second leg with Atletico Madrid in April will have been struck by a unique situation. Onto the Stamford Bridge turf came not one, but two Chelsea goalkeepers.

With Petr Cech injured it was Mark Schwarzer lining up for the Blues between the posts. Atletico, our visitors that mild Spring evening, had Thibaut Courtois in goal, playing against his parent club.

When the Belgian got into position at the beginning of each half, he was warmly welcomed by those behind the Matthew Harding and Shed End goals. As we begin our interview it is quickly apparent the 22-year-old can't wait to meet his new supporters.

‘It was so nice to see that the Chelsea supporters appreciated my talent and my work at Atletico,’ says Courtois. ‘To see them clapping me was quite special and hopefully now I can give them joy by helping the team win games and trophies.

‘That night was a really good experience, but obviously I was playing for the other side at Stamford Bridge so it was a little bit weird. Now I’m just looking forward to playing a game at Stamford Bridge in the Chelsea colours.’

With the game and the tie against Atletico delicately poised at 1-1, Courtois produced what Jose Mourinho would describe afterwards as an ‘impossible save’, thwarting John Terry. The game had swung in Atletico’s favour.

Courtois donned his Chelsea training kit for the first time this morning (Thursday), working under the guidance of goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon.

‘It was a very nice session,’ he says. ‘It was great to work with him. He has so much variation in his exercises to help us become better and to make us think very fast.