By John Drayton

PUBLISHED: 08:04 EST, 6 September 2013 | UPDATED: 08:15 EST, 6 September 2013

Thibaut Courtois is ready to challenge Petr Cech's claim on the No 1 shirt at Chelsea.

The Belgium international has been earning rave reviews in the last two seasons which he spent on loan at Atletico Madrid.

Courtouis has also revealed that Jose Mourinho wanted to keep him in the Blues' squad or loan him to another English top-flight club, but he only wanted a return to Madrid.

Ready for the No 1: Thibaut Courtois is ready to challenge Petr Cech as Chelsea's goalkeeper

Ready for the No 1: Thibaut Courtois is ready to challenge Petr Cech as Chelsea's goalkeeper

Long serving: Cech has been Chelsea's No 1 for almost ten years

Long serving: Cech has been Chelsea's No 1 for almost ten years

After being a key man in Atletico's run to Copa del Rey glory last season, the 21-year-old was expected to come back into the fold at Stamford Bridge but has instead returned to Madrid for a third term.

'The club (Chelsea) and Jose Mourinho wanted me back for this season,' he said in an interview with FourFourTwo magazine.

'They also considered the option of sending me out to a team in the Premier League.

'But I was not interested in this option, I feel good in Madrid and wanted to play in the Champions League with Atletico.

Loan deals: The Belgian has never played for Chelsea and is now in his third loan season at Atletico Madrid

Loan deals: The Belgian has never played for Chelsea and is now in his third loan season at Atletico Madrid

'I was not afraid of fighting for a spot with Petr Cech. I have no fear of anyone, I believe in my qualities.'

The goalkeeper believes another spell between the sticks of a top European club will be of more benefit to him than sitting on Chelsea's bench.

'I could have gone (back to Chelsea) and it may have worked out perfectly, but then again I may not have been playing and could have risked losing my starting place with the national team,' he added.

Deal: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wanted the 21-year-old to join an English club on loan this season

Deal: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wanted the 21-year-old to join his Chelsea squad or another English club on loan this season

'It would have been a risk for the World Cup. 

'Next year? I can afford to take more risks. But for now, the important thing for me as a young player is to reach a higher level.'

The comments below have not been moderated.

Class keeper. Seen him alot and he can easily take over from cech.

Report abuse

Let him go on loan next season to a Premier League team to see if he can handle the physical aspect of the English league then if he adapts well bring him in to rival Cech. Cech has been excellent for Chelsea for a number of years and deserves to remain number 1 for a couple more years yet, we need to show him the same loyalty he has showed the club.

Report abuse

Barca can look to Real Madrid as an example. A bid of 90 mil should be enough, otherwise he's going nowhere.

Report abuse

Barca can look to Real Madrid as an example. A bid of 90 mil should be enough, otherwise he's going nowhere.

Report abuse

Three words NOT FOR SALE

Report abuse

Seen him play a few matches and a few highlights of him from Sky Sports coverage of La Liga. He is one of the best GK around. He is the type of GK that inspires a team. Cech lost a bit of himself a few years ago, Chelsea have to make this guy number 1 next season.

Report abuse

This guy is going to be the best in the world by the time he's 24/25. Forget De Gea, Courtois is something special.

Report abuse

After Cech's heroics against Bayern it's hard to imagine him losing his place between Chelsea's posts any time soon.

Report abuse

This interview was given a week ago but DM preferred to run a rumour that he would likely go to Barca before posting this article. Great journalism.

Report abuse

Barca has a better chance of signing my pet then this guy'!

Report abuse

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.