Chelsea transfer news: Thibaut Courtois dismisses PSG links, wants Blues stay
Thibaut Courtois has dismissed speculation regarding a possible summer move away from Stamford Bridge by insisting that he is happy at Chelsea. The Belgian goalkeeper was linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but insists that he prefers playing in the Premier League rather than Ligue 1.
The former Atletico Madrid loanee had criticised Chelsea's defence of the Premier League title, and believes the club was right in sacking Jose Mourinho midway through the season when the Blues were languishing in the bottom half of the table battling the relegation threatened clubs. The west London club will not be involved in any European competition next season, which led to speculation regarding Courtois' future at the club.
The Belgium international, who still has three years remaining on his current deal, is keen to remain at Stamford Bridge and return to the Champions League under new manager Antonio Conte, who will take over in the summer from interim boss Guus Hiddink.
Courtois's commitment will come as a big boost to Chelsea ahead of a new era, which will also see them lose the services of talismanic captain John Terry, who is set to leave the club following the expiry if his contract.
"I have never had any contact with PSG. I have played a lot against PSG recently - twice last season, again this season in a friendly and twice more in the Champions League this year. They are a good club who win their league easily," the Chelsea goalkeeper said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
"Me, I like playing in England. Paris is a very good club but I am happy at Chelsea. I have a contract for three years, so I will say 100 per cent."
"Rumours affect any club where things are going badly. People think the top players want to leave because they are not in the Champions League. Everyone knows it is our fault we will not play in that competition next year. It has happened to Manchester United and to Dortmund, to not play in the Champions League, and it is heartbreaking," he explained.
"This year, we have not defended our title well like we needed to. We must regather our forces to return stronger and get back to the Champions League."
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