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Thibaut Courtois signs new 5-year deal with Chelsea

Thibaut Courtois has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea, after he won the race to replace the experienced Petr Cech as the west London club's new first choice goalkeeper.

- Lythell: Tying down Courtois a wise move

ESPN FC revealed last month that Courtois had been offered a new contract, with his previous deal at Chelsea signed after he initially arrived at the club in 2011 as back-up to Cech.

Chelsea were eager to tie Courtois down to a fresh contract that reflected his new status at the club and confirmation that the deal has been concluded has now arrived.

"I'm very happy with this new deal, it's really nice to have signed this new contract for five years," Courtois told the Chelsea website.

"My future was already sorted, but it's nice to know I'm going to be here for another five years and now I can just concentrate on playing games."

Cech remains at Chelsea despite speculation that he may seek a move after losing his status as the club's No. 1 keeper, yet it is Courtois who is clearly the future for manager Jose Mourinho after the announcement of this new deal.

Belgian international Courtois emerged as a star during a three-year loan spell with Atletico Madrid, which concluded with a Spanish title success and an appearance in the Champions League final last season.