Madrid - Xinhua
Atletico Madrid are working to extend the loan of Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for a second season. The 19-year-old goalkeeper is one a one year loan from English club Chelsea, who signed him from Belgian champions Genk over the summer, and has been a huge success at the start of the season, producing a series of stunning saves that has helped fans in the Vicente Calderon Stadium forget David de Gea, who is now at Manchester United. With Chelsea\'s first choice keeper Petr Cech a fixture in the goal of the London club, Chelsea sent Courtois to Atletico to allow him to gain first team experience. The only problem could be that Cech has suffered various fitness problems in the recent past and Chelsea may want Courtois back in case their number one keeper suffers a long term injury. Speaking on Spanish radio station Onda Cero early on Wednesday morning, Courtois admitted he would be open to the idea of staying for a second year with Atletico. \"Atletico Madrid wanted me before Chelsea bought me and I am very happy at the club. At the moment it is only a one year deal, but if they wanted me to stay for a second year and Chelsea were happy for that to happen, then it is possible,\" said Courtois, who admitted Cech\'s fitness issues were the main stumbling point. \"I am really enjoying playing here and Cech is one of the best keepers in the world. I know he has suffered knee and back problems and the Chelsea goalkeeping coach says he doesn\'t know how long he will be able to continue playing at top level.\" \"Chelsea spoke to me about spending two years in a side such as Atletico and then in a side in England such as Tottenham or Fulham before I can integrate in a league such as the Premier,\" explained the young keeper. Finally Courtois spoke about replacing David de Gea, another teenager, who joined Manchester United over the summer. \"It was hard to begin because of the pressure of a support that is used to having a very good keeper, but I am not worried about that. I will just go out and play my game,\" he concluded.