Thibaut Courtois says he's never been happier at Chelsea and scorns players who move for money

The goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer

Tuesday 24 January 2017 13:43 GMT

Courtois hailed the team spirit Antonio Conte has instilled at Chelsea (AFP/Getty Images)

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois insists he has never felt happier at Stamford Bridge than he does now.

Despite being linked with moves to former club Atletico Madrid and their cross-town rivals Real in the summer, the Belgian's latest comments will have boosted Antonio Conte's hopes of keeping a player who has been ever-present for the league leaders this season.

“I have never felt so good since I arrived in Chelsea. On the field, I am good, I make the decisive stops when it is necessary," the 24-year-old told reporters.

“I try to always be ready to help the team. My game has also improved a lot in the last two seasons. I sometimes have a few moments that are very difficult to manage but I’m doing well. I feel very confident right now."

Courtois was signed by Chelsea in 2011 before being loaned out to Atletico for three seasons where he won a La Liga title and the Europa League.

He returned to Stamford Bridge in 2014 where he forced his way into the first-team and won the Premier League title under Jose Mourinho.

Despite a disappointing league finish last season, Chelsea have returned to their form of two seasons ago and are odds-on favourites to clinch the title this year.

Courtois has credited new manager Conte with instilling a more adventurous style of play into the side and a good team spirit in the dressing room.

Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

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1/22Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Thibaut Courtois – 6 out of 10

Had to only make a couple of saves, but that’s all that was required.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Cesar Azpilicueta – 5 out of 10

Lost his shape at the back at times, but did the simple stuff well.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

David Luiz – 6 out of 10

Was required to make a number of last ditch challenges that saved Chelsea from humiliation.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Gary Cahill – 7 out of 10

Defended courageously and deserved his goal to seal the deal and double Chelsea’s tally.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Victor Moses – 7 out of 10

Was brilliant in the air, charged up and down the pitch constantly and created play from the back.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

N’Golo Kante - 6 out of 10

Held his own in the middle of the park – overall was a positive display.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Nemanja Matic – 5 out of 10

Made a number of questionable decisions in possession and needed to be more involved.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Marcos Alonso – 6 out of 10

He was causing problems down the left and his deliveries into the box put the Hull defence under constant pressure.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Pedro – 6 out of 10

His set pieces need some work, but aside from this he created some good moves.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Eden Hazard - 7 out of 10

Looked incredibly confident with the ball at his feet, created chances and made space well up top.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Diego Costa – 8 out of 10

Looked alert, sharp and hungry for goals. His goal before half-time was crucial for the home side.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Eldin Jakupovic – 6 out of 10

Made a handful of important saves throughout but did concede two.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Harry Maguire – 7 out of 10

Looked incredibly confident with the ball at his feet and running at the Chelsea defence. Would have been interesting to see more of it.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Michael Dawson – 6 out of 10

Continued to hunt down possession and worked persistently.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Curtis Davies – 5 out of 10

Made the right decisions when on the ball, but did not see enough action for a player of such ability.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Omar Elabdellaoui – 5 out of 10

Failed to keep up with the movement and pace of the Chelsea strike force.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Tom Huddlestone – 6 out of 10

Battled hard but would have been good to see him take a more attacking approach to the game.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Ryan Mason – N/A

Went off in the early stages of the game with a head injury.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Andrew Robertson – 5 out of 10

A quiet performance – failed to find his feet throughout.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Evandro Goebel – 6 out of 10

Deliveries into the box were causing problems, but Hull lacked an attacking presence to make the most of them.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Sam Clucas - 6 out of 10

His positioning was good and he was exploiting weaknesses and gaps in the Chelsea defence.

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Chelsea v Hull City player ratings

Abel Hernandez – 5 out of 10

Failed to hold the ball up and couldn’t make an impact on the game due to a lack of service.

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“I like that we are asked to attack the ball and go forwards in any circumstances," he added. "There’s a good atmosphere in the group. Lots of jokes and banter but we work hard and we enjoy it.”

He also appeared to criticise former teammates Oscar and Jon Obi Mikel, who both recently made big money moves to China: “Some players are more concentrated on what they will do after their football career and want to make sure their lives are financially settled.

“I prefer to play in big teams, earn a little less money and win trophies.”

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