MX23RW : Thursday, April 25 08:51:53| >> :600:252457:252457:

Diego Costa: 'I feel valued by Spain'

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa explains his reasons for rejecting Brazil for Spain.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has admitted that he turned down Brazil because he has "achieved everything" in Spain.

The 25-year-old, who gained Spanish citizenship in the summer, signed the necessary documentation on Tuesday that will allow the forward to play his international football for the World and European champions.

"It was a difficult decision for all involved, to decide between the country of your birth and the country that has given you everything, which is Spain," Costa told Atletico's official website.

"I have considered it and the right thing is to play for Spain because here is where I have achieved everything. All that I have in my life has been given to me by this country, who I have a very special affection for. Here I feel appreciated for what I do every day and feel the love of the people.

"I want people to understand that at no moment have I turned down Brazil. That is not how I see it. I simply feel valued here, where I have made my career. All that I am I owe to this country."

"It has been a well-thought out decision, but there has been no rejection. I have family in Brazil, it is where I was born and where I will live when I stop playing football. Hopefully people will understand and respect that."

However, Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has criticised the striker's decision.

ID:114582: cacheID:114582:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2596:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Diego Costa celebrates his goal in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
Read Next:
Scolari blasts Costa
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid32256170224881
2Barcelona32217464372770
3GironaGirona32215667402768
4Atletico MadridAtletico32194959382161
5Athletic Bilbao321610652302258
6Real Sociedad321312746341251
7Real BetisBetis32121284038248
8Valencia32138113534147
9Villarreal32119125155-442
10Getafe32913103844-640
11Osasuna32116153746-939
12Sevilla32910134145-437
13Las PalmasLas Palmas32107153039-937
14AlavesAlaves3298152838-1035
15Rayo Vallecano32713122739-1234
16Celta Vigo32710153747-1031
17Mallorca32613132638-1231
18CadizCadiz32413152245-2325
19Granada3239203361-2818
20Almeria32111203164-3314


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!