Diego Costa has admitted that he was extremely intent on securing a move back to Atletico Madrid in the summer. Despite being a fan’s favourite at Chelsea, it is understood that Costa is not entirely happy with life in London with the climate understood to be a major hindrance towards settling down.
There have been numerous transfer rumours surrounding the 28-year-old in the last few months, but none more so than the summer rumours linking him with a return to the Vicente Calderon.
The Spaniard has revealed the negotiations that took place between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea in the summer over a potential return. Uncertainty surrounding the Spaniard his thought to have been a major reason behind the blues being linked with a £60 million bid to bring back Romelu Lukaku. Costa said:
“Atletico knows I have a special feeling for the team, I lived the best moment of my career there.
“When Atletico had to wait for me they didn’t, there was still a month to go in the transfer market.
“I’ve done everything to come back to Atletico Madrid but I wouldn’t fight the same to return. When Atletico didn’t wait for me, I had to go to Conte with the tail between my legs.”
There is little doubt that Costa has been integral in Chelsea’s revival in form this season. The striker is on course to winning his second Premier league medal. Football tips place Chelsea as overwhelming favourites to win the title at odds of just 1/33.
Yet, he is a realistic person to admit that football is good enough to a player as long as they are at the top of their game. This mentality appears to have been a major reason behind Costa seriously considering a move to Chinese football in January. The striker was offered around £30 million per year – close to five times the figure he makes at Chelsea. Chinese clubs were also linked with an £80 million offer for the player. Costa has refused to commit to Chelsea even now. He continued:
“In life, anything can happen and I do not close the door to anything. In football you are worth what you are worth when you are good. And why not? But right now I am good at Chelsea…I have two years left on my contract and I intend to fulfil them.”