Chelsea's Courtois open to Spain return: 'Atletico is my family club'

Thibaut Courtois' time in Spain left a lasting mark on the Chelsea goalkeeper.

The Belgian international spent three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid, where he led helped the team win a La Liga title and reach the Champions League final in 2014 before being recalled to England to succeed Petr Cech between the pipes.

Although his contract with Chelsea doesn't expire for another couple of years, Courtois admitted to outlet Marca (as translated by Sky Sports) that his positive experience could see him ply his trade in Spain once again.

"Yes, but not only because of the club, but how Madrid is and the whole country," he said.

"From the first minute I fell in love with Spain for its people, lifestyle, and food. I still maintain eating dinner and then an afternoon nap, most of the TV I watch is Spanish."

Courtois added: "I have a contract at Chelsea for three seasons. In 2018, when I enter the final year of the contract, we will assess whether to renew or leave."

Courtois, 24, arrived at Chelsea from Belgian side Genk in 2011, before he was sent to Atletico on loan. He has since become a mainstay between the pipes at Stamford Bridge, where he helped Chelsea win the Premier League title in 2015.