Diego Costa regrets the manner of his Chelsea exit and admits to having âspecial affectionâ for people at the club.
The 28-year-old striker finally agreed a move back to Atletico Madrid earlier this week and arrived in the Spanish capital on Friday, ending weeks of exile in Brazil.
Costa won two Premier League titles in his three seasons at Stamford Bridge, but his stay ended in acrimony as he refused to return to the club after being informed by text message that he was not in Antonio Conteâs plans.
But Costa will not let his final few months sour his time at the club.
âI didnât want it to unfold as it did,â the Spain international told journalists at Madrid airport, as reported by Marca.
âI have a special affection for the people at Chelsea.
âI donât want to have an ungrateful attitude towards Chelsea, because I was also very happy there and played in a great team.â
Costa will look to restart his career in familiar surroundings as he is back at the club he served with distinction between 2010 and 2014.
Although he will not be able to play until January due to Atleticoâs transfer embargo, Costa is raring to go at a place he calls home.
âAtletico Madrid is my home and here I am,â he added. âI am very happy. [The negotiations] went on too long, but there was a happy ending in the end.
âNow Iâm waiting to see my team-mates and to train.
âI am not as unfit as some have been saying.
âThere wonât be a lack of determination on my part and Iâll give my best, as has always been the case.â