Thibaut Courtois has confirmed he will remain on loan at Atlético for another year. In a press conference on Saturday, while on duty with the Belgian national team, he told the gathered Belgian media: “I’m also playing at Atlético Madrid next season.”

The 21-year-old explained the rationale behind his decision, saying that “if the Devils [the Belgian national team] qualify for the World Cup and I want to go, I have to play at my club.”

He added: “The national team coach made this very clear this week to the whole squad, so I can take no chances. Besides, I can play in the Champions League with Atlético Madrid and that’s important for my development.”

Courtois has made a name for himself in a short time at Atleti, pulling off great saves time after time to help his team win a Europa League, a UEFA Super Cup and a Copa del Rey, and himself a Trofeo Zamora.

Tibu’s gaining invaluable experience at Atlético and he believes he’ll benefit from a longer stay with the Rojiblancos. New Chelsea manager José Mourinho concurs with him.

“Mourinho and I have had a short discussion. He gave his view and I gave mine. The conclusion was that Atlético is best for me. He knows Spain well and he knows that I’ll still grow,” Courtois said.

“Of course I want to work with a coach like Mourinho, but when I think hard about it, I know that I have to be in goal every week. I don’t have that assurance at Chelsea.”

“Moreover, I’ve already experienced two great years in Madrid and I want to add one more to that. Last season I took some steps forward, with my performance in the cup final as the icing on the cake.”