It was confirmed on Thursday that Chelsea and Atletico Madrid had finally agreed a deal for Diego Costa.
The Spain international was the subject of a transfer saga, which was drawn out for a few months over the summer. Chelsea were looking to offload Costa throughout the transfer window and have now finally reached an agreement with Atletico for the forward.
It was at Atletico that Costa truly flourished as a player, seeing him secure a big money move to the Blues. However, things turned sour between the player and Blues boss Antonio Conte, and the Brazilian-born striker has spoken of his relief to return “home”.
As quoted by the Irish Independent, Costa admitted that he never wanted to leave Chelsea on the terms he did.
It’s not the way I wanted it leave, ever. I have special affection for the people at Chelsea. I’m not a person who is going to smear the image. They know the person I am.
The Blues replaced Costa in the summer window with Alvaro Morata, who has since enjoyed a considerably successful start to life at Stamford Bridge.
I wanted to return (to Atletico). I’m not going to be ungrateful to Chelsea, where I was also very happy, playing in a team that was great. Atletico is my home and I’m here.
Costa will be able to play for Atletico from January onwards.
