It’s been a long three months for Diego Costa, but the former Chelsea forward has been formally introduced as an Atletico Madrid player.
Costa is set to wear Atleti’s No 18 jersey after unveiled in front of around 25,000 fans at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday, where he revealed he waited “a long time” to rejoin the Spanish giants.
“I thank the club for the effort they’ve made to bring me back. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. My fitness? You can see I’m looking much better now. I’ve prepared well for this and I’m looking forward to playing and helping the team.
“I’ve waited a long time for this. Now I have my mind set on playing. As much as I’ve trained, it’s not like playing a match and I’m tired of training so much.
“Three months out? You suffer more when you’re not playing. I see the team in a good way.”
Costa insisted Atleti could still challenge for trophies this season and he is expected to make his debut for the club against Lleida Esportiu in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Costa was not the only player unveiled by Atletico on Sunday. Also introduced was Vitolo, who due to Atleti’s transfer ban had been loaned out to Las Palmas for the first part of the season.
Speaking on his objectives at his new club, Vitolo said:
“Atlético have been battling with the big teams for a number of years and that was one of the reasons I wanted to come here. They are contenders for the Champions League and have fought for the league with Madrid and Barcelona. I’ve come here with expectations high to win silverware.”