On-loan Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted he is “relieved” to be able to play against parent club Chelsea in this week’s Champions League tie.
The two teams will meet in the semi-finals of the competition, with both hoping to get off to a good start at the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday night.
When the draw was made reports suggested Atletico would have to pay a fee of around £5m to Chelsea to enable Courtois to play in the two-legged tie.
Related: Thibaut Courtois will face his parent club in the Champions League
However, that was waived by UEFA and Courtois now has the chance to feature against Jose Mourinho’s side having never played for the Blues since his move from Genk in 2011.
The Belgian admits he wants Chelsea to do well this season but he is hoping to help Atletico reach the Champions League final.
“I’m very relieved. That we’ve drawn Chelsea is special because even though I’m at Atleti, Chelsea are my club,” Courtois told UEFA.com.
“I want to win trophies here and I’ll be an Atleti supporter for these two games, but at all other times I’m a Chelsea fan too.
“I hope they win the Premier League, just not these two matches. I really hope we can reach the final as we’re so close. They’re the favourites, but Barca were too.”
Atletico are 1.87 favourites to win on Tuesday night due to their home advantage, but the draw could be a good bet at odds of 3.35.
Chelsea are 4.22 to win away from home but they look set to be without injured playmaker Eden Hazard.
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