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Diego Costa believes the time is right for both he and Atletico Madrid to part ways when he addressed fans in an open letter after terminating their contract.
After falling down Diego Simeone’s pecking order, Costa is understood to have ordered Atlético to break his contract, which had only six months to run, and the forward was earning £ 270,000 a week.
In his first speech to the fans since the news of the termination of his contract was known on Monday, the Spanish international said that he is full of ‘sadness’ and ‘happiness’, but believes that the measure suits everyone, since it is ‘the best way to help the team’. .
“I want to thank all the fans, but I think my time has come and that for me, as well as for the club, it was the best thing that could happen,” said part of his statement on Instagram.
I think it is the best time for both of us and the best way to help this team and the club.
“I’ve done my best, or at least I’ve always tried to do my best for this club and this jersey.”
Costa praised his teammates, the club’s medical staff and Atlético’s coaching staff with injuries and setbacks that hampered his season to date.
The 32-year-old has struggled for minutes with leg and muscle injuries that saw him miss six of seven LaLiga games from late October to mid-December, while those same issues kept him out of the action. Champions League.
But even though there were multiple mentions for medical staff and physical therapists, he saved his most effusive sentiments for fans.
‘To the fans … just THANK YOU THANK YOU and THANK YOU,’ he said. It was always an encouragement. They always were and always will be a motivation. THE BIGGEST THING THIS CLUB HAS.
‘I had a dream … I saw how all the fans shouted the name of the great players who have worn this shirt, and I dreamed, and believed, and it encouraged me to work and one day deserve to be called my name too. ‘
Costa rejoined Atlético for the third time from Chelsea for £ 54m during the 2017-18 season.
But he has battled for goals during that time, with his seven in his first half of the season, followed by back-to-back campaigns in which he found the net only five times.
He remains convinced that he can still compete at the top of Europe for “two or three seasons” and his sudden availability as a free agent is likely to make him an attractive property in the transfer window.
Arsenal is seen as offering a ‘favorable situation’ for Costa with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta determined to add reinforcements in January to help save a campaign that threatens a relegation battle.
His failed team have managed just 16 Premier League goals this season, with Arsenal slumped in 13th place.
The wolves could also move for the 32-year-old, as the Midlands club seeks a replacement for Raúl Jiménez, who is currently ruled out with a skull fracture.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team needs more firepower up front with Jiménez ruled out for most of this season after he butted heads with Arsenal’s David Luiz in a serious incident in late November.
The Lobos currently have 18-year-old Fabio Silva as their main attacking option, but the teen has only scored once since taking Jimenez’s place.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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