Tuesday 24 January 2017 09:12, UK
Thibaut Courtois insists he is the happiest he has ever been since joining Chelsea and has ruled out swapping the Premier League for China.
The Belgium goalkeeper has been in fine form this season and has helped Chelsea race ahead in the Premier League title race by keeping 13 clean sheets.
Antonio Conte's side sit eight points clear of second-placed Arsenal and Courtois says the spirit within the Blues' dressing room is high.
"I have never felt so good since I arrived in Chelsea," said the 24-year-old, who signed from Genk in 2011 and subsequently won the title with the club during the 2014-15 season.
"On the field, I am good, I make the decisive stops when it is necessary.
"Sometimes I have just one or two to do. Against Hull, it was a little more at the weekend.
"But otherwise, I try to be ready to help the team. My game has 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.
"There's a good atmosphere in the group. Lots of jokes and banter but we work hard and enjoy it."
Midfielders Oscar and John Obi Mikel left Stamford Bridge earlier this month for the riches of the Chinese Super League and joined a growing contingent of former Premier League players plying their trade in the Far East.
Foreign goalkeepers are currently banned from playing in the CSL, though Courtois says he has no interest in joining his former team-mates in China anyway.
"Some players are more concentrated on what they will do after their football career and want to make sure their lives are financially settled," he added.
"I prefer to play in big teams, earn a little less money and win trophies."
