Thibaut Courtois not interested in returning to Chelsea to deputise for Petr Cech

The on-loan goalkeeper has been hugely impressive during his time with Atletico Madrid

Thibaut Courtois (GETTY IMAGES)

Thibaut Courtois, the on-loan Chelsea player emerging as one of the most impressive goalkeepers in Europe, has revealed he is not interested in returning to Stamford Bridge to play second fiddle to Petr Cech.

Courtois, who was signed by the Blues for £7m from Genk in 2011, has never played a game for Chelsea.

After joining the club he was immediately loaned to Atletico Madrid - a club at which he has made himself at home, becoming the undisputed No 1. It is a position that has also seen him claim a regular place in the impressive Belgian national side ahead of Liverpool's Simon Mignolet.

The 21-year-old would appear fully committed to returning to Chelsea at some stage - he agreed a new four-year deal last year - yet he would appear only open to a return if he can usurp long-time Chelsea No 1 Cech.

“I want to play, I will not be sitting on the bench," he is quoted as saying.

“At Atletico I feel great and being here allows me to play in the Champions League. I’ve grown a lot at Atletico, especially last season when we won the European Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.

“I’ve made great progress, especially in terms of speed, reflexes and experience. I am in my best form and I feel like I am among the five best goalkeepers in the world.”

Cech, who joined Chelsea in 2004, agreed a new four-year contract in 2012 following the Blues' Champions League triumph.