Diego Costa has told Atletico Madrid he wants to sign for them this summer three years after leaving the Spanish giants to join Chelsea, claims Sky Sports.
The Spain international is free to leave Chelsea this summer after being told earlier this month he does not feature in the club’s long-term plans by manager Antonio Conte.
Costa tried to force through a return to Atletico last summer and was again linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window.
However, matters have been complicated this summer by the fact Atletico are currently serving a FIFA-imposed transfer ban and won’t be able to register new players until January.
It means that Costa can still join Atletico but he would not be able to play for them until next year and that could compromise his chances of making the Spain squad for the 2018 World Cup. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old has told his former club he wants to return this summer.
Despite being deemed a troublemaker, Costa has played vital parts in two title-winning campaigns during his three years at Chelsea. In fact, only four players have scored more Premier League goals than Costa since he arrived at Chelsea (52).
For more stats on Diego Costa, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
