Diego Costa has admitted that after a difficult year at Chelsea last season, he considered returning to Atletico Madrid.
The 27-year-old, a £32 million signing from Atletico Madrid two years ago, was reportedly unhappy at Chelsea at the end of last season and there were doubts as to how the temperamental Brazil-born player would fare under Antonio Conte.
But the forward has enjoyed a strong start to the 2016-17 campaign, scoring two goals in two league starts for Chelsea. He has also been called up by Spain for the first time since the 2014 World Cup.
Costa spent two seasons under Diego Simeone at Atletico, scoring 43 goals and helping the team win the Spanish Primera Division title and reach the Champions League final in the 2013-14 season.
Costa confirmed that Atleti wanted to re-sign him this summer but were unable to strike a deal with Chelsea.
“We all knew the possibility existed for me to return to Atleti but it was not to be because of minor details,” Costa told AS. “I thank the Atleti fans and [coach Diego Simeone] for his trust.
“Now I’m at Chelsea and I’m happy there. I already started the season with them. I wish Atleti a good season just like last and that they win titles. I was enthusiastic about returning, I cannot deny it.”
Costa has scored 34 goals in 56 Premier League appearances since moving to Chelsea in 2014.
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