Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has made it clear he wants nothing more than to beat Chelsea on Friday to lift the UEFA Super Cup.
The Belgian shot-stopper signed for Chelsea in July 2011 but was immediately sent on loan to Atletico Madrid as a short-term replacement for David de Gea.
Courtois enjoyed a successful first season at the Vicente Calderon, holding down a first team place and helping the side go on to win the Europa League in May.
He extended his loan deal earlier this summer for another year and is keen to get his hands on more silverware this season, starting with the Super Cup.
“It's special for me as the game is against my club. But I play for Atletico, it's me against Chelsea, and I want to win it,” he told UEFA’s official website today.
The game will also see the Belgium international face his compatriot Eden Hazard, who has delighted fans with his first few performances with Chelsea.
“I keep my fingers crossed for them, for all my friends at Chelsea and for my Belgium teammates who play there now.
“I wish them the best of luck. But I want to win the Super Cup. I hope it will be a good match and may the better team win."
Atletico Madrid experienced a change in fortunes since former player Diego Simeone took over in January 2012, and ended the season in fifth place, narrowly missing out on a Champions League spot. Courtois is confident the team can repeat the success of last season and go one step further this time by finishing in the top four.
“We have a very competitive team with three or four strong new signings. We have a team that can make it into the top four in Spain.
“In the Europa League and the Spanish Cup it's pretty difficult – a bit of bad luck and you're out. But if we play like last season we can go a long way.”
