Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois claims he is open to the possibility of staying at Atletico Madrid for the third successive season.

The Belgium international had joined the Blues from native side Genk in 2011 but was immediately loaned out to Atletico to gain regular first team football. The 21-year-old is now close to completing his second season in the Spanish capital and has stated he would have no hesitation in further extending his time with Los Rojiblancos.

Thibaut Courtois
Reuters

"There is a big possibility. Everyone knows I like it here. The fans are very good to me and I try and give that back. I am happy, I like my life here, my team-mates. It is not just my decision, Chelsea and Atletico also have to talk. But everyone knows I like it here and, if I can, I want to stay," Courtois said.

The young stopper set a new Atletico record of playing 820 minutes without conceding a goal at the Vicente Calderon, during the weekend's game against Real Sociedad. However, Courtois did eventually concede in that match, thanks to a Xabi Prieto goal that gave a 1-0 win for the visitors, meaning Diego Simeone's men dropped points at home for the first time this season.

"When they [Atletico supporters] sang my name in the first half I knew it, but that just lasted a moment. Then I had to be very focused on the game. It is a good record, it is a lot of minutes, and it is something very, very nice. I always try to keep a clean sheet and help the team," Courtois pointed out.

"In the second half we tried to push for a goal, and at that moment they scored. We must be happy though with what we are doing this season and be ready for the next game on Sunday in Pamplona, which will be very difficult. We have lost now, so next week we must win," the goalkeeper added.