Thibaut Courtois Bids Farewell To Atletico Ahead of His Chelsea Return

Thibaut Courtois went to Madrid on Thursday to say goodbye to the Atletico Madrid squad ahead of his imminent return to Chelsea, reports in Spain claim.

The Belgium international has spend three successive seasons on loan at the Vicente Calderon Stadium - with Atletico trying to prolong his spell in La Liga until the very last moment

However, having garnered a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Jose Mourinho wants to have him back at Chelsea.

"When the World Cup in Brazil is over, Courtois will be coming straight back to Stamford Bridge - end of story," Mourinho recently said.

Courtois was reportedly all set to stay in La Liga but it's claimed Mourinho convinced him to return to London by offering him the number one role and sacrificing Petr Cech.

Chelsea have already confirmed Mark Schwarzer will be the back-up keeper after signing a one-year extension - leaving no space for the blue legend.

AS reports Courtois went to the Atletico training ground on Thursday to collect his belongings and say his farewells to his former teammates.

During his three seasons at the Vicente Calderon he won the Zamora award for Best Goalkeeper in La Liga twice while helping to take his side to a Champions League final, one La Liga title, a Europa League crown, a European Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have already come to terms with his departure and are in advance negotiations to complete the signing of Benfica youngster Jan Oblak as his replacement.