Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois shown during their title winning season in 2014/15. Paul Ellis / AFP
Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois shown during their title winning season in 2014/15. Paul Ellis / AFP

Chelsea: Committed Thibaut Courtois says ‘we must regather our forces and return stronger’



Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says he is "100 per cent" certain to stay with the club despite the absence of Champions League football next season.

The 23-year-old Belgium international has been linked with a move to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

But he told Le Parisien: "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.

“Me, I like playing in England. Paris is a very good club but I am happy at Chelsea.”

PSG, indeed, have won their domestic title for the fourth straight campaign.

Chelsea's defence of their Premier League title was in stark contrast – they lie ninth with two matches to go and have missed out on the Champions League.

But, asked for the percentage chance of him staying at Stamford Bridge, Courtois said: “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.

“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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Zidane's managerial achievements

La Liga: 2016/17
Spanish Super Cup: 2017
Uefa Champions League: 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18
Uefa Super Cup: 2016, 2017
Fifa Club World Cup: 2016, 2017


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