Report: FC Twente turned down Diego Costa

FC Twente reportedly turned down the chance to sign Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid in 2009.

The forward initially joined Atletico from Braga in 2006, but struggled to make his mark in the Spanish capital and was put on the transfer market in 2009.

According to Studio Voetbal, Dutch outfit Twente were offered the chance to sign the Brazilian-born attacker, but were unsure of his ability to perform at the top level.

Costa eventually joined Real Valladolid, where he spent one season before returning to Atletico.

The forward netted 36 goals in 52 games for Atletico last season as the Spanish outfit won La Liga and reached the final of the Champions League, which led to a summer move to Chelsea, where he has already registered 18 times in 30 matches.