Courtois loaned to Atlético after Chelsea move
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
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Chelsea FC have signed Thibaut Courtois from Belgian champions KRC Genk, though the goalkeeper has immediately joined Club Atlético de Madrid on a season-long loan.
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Andre Villas-Boas has made his first signing as Chelsea FC manager, bringing in goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on a five-year deal from Belgian champions KRC Genk.
Courtois, 19, who conceded just 32 goals in 40 league appearances during last season's championship-winning campaign with Genk, will immediately move to Club Atlético de Madrid on a season-long loan.
The Belgian goalkeeper of the year joins the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round entrants having featured in last year's competition for Genk, including an appearance against an FC Porto side coached by Villas-Boas in the play-offs.
"It will be a wonderful opportunity to play for one of the best teams in the world," said Courtois. "That is the reason why I chose Chelsea."