Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa has admitted that he feared missing out on a spot in the Spain squad for this summer's World Cup due to a troublesome hamstring injury.
The 25-year-old, who struggled with injury in the latter stages of the 2013-14 campaign, was forced to depart in the early stages of the Champions League final against Real Madrid last month with a thigh problem.
It had been claimed that the injury would keep him out of this summer's competition, but La Roja boss Vicente del Bosque selected the Brazilian-born attacker in his 23-man squad.
"It was in my head that I might not get to the World Cup," AS reports Costa as saying.
"I was afraid it could be something [more serious]. I appreciate the confidence the coach has shown in me and I hope to give him back the trust he has given me.
"I want to try and somehow be worthwhile."
Spain open their World Cup Group B campaign against Netherlands on June 13.
Matt Law
