No agreement between clubs over Thibaut Courtois.
On loan Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will not face parent club Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final unless the clubs reach an agreement, according to the President of the La Liga outfit.
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Enrique Cerezo originally claimed the Belgian, 21, would definitely not face the Blues over two legs later this month because Atleti could not afford the ‘large sum’ of around €3m the sides had agreed as part of Courtois’ loan deal.
But UEFA reacted to the speculation, stressing such an agreement was ‘null, void and unenforceable’.
Speaking before another excellent performance from Belgium number one Courtois in the 2-0 win at Getafe, Cerezo told AS that the club would not force the stopper to play against Chelsea’s wishes, while the club do not want to jeopardise another potential loan agreement for next season either.
“I do not know how many times I have repeated it,” Cerezo said.
“Courtois is a Chelsea player. We are trying to get him on loan for another season. I believe he will end up playing against them, but only if we reach an agreement with Chelsea. We are gentlemen and we stick to everything we sign.”
Cerezo said he believes an agreement will be reached, but if not then back-up keeper Dani Aranzubia will play in goal for the two games.
“I do not know,” he said. “I believe he will play, but because there is an agreement between both parties. If he does not play, Aranzubia will do so.”