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Diego Costa was hailed by Diego Simeone as “a fighter” who still has a future in football, as the forward’s career at Atlético de Madrid came to an end on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old former Spanish international has been a fringe member of Atlético this season, playing just seven LaLiga games and scoring two goals.
He was due to reach the end of his contract at the end of the season, but that has effectively been broken, allowing Costa to find a new club.
Costa asked to leave Atlético, citing personal reasons, and has been linked to a return to the Premier League, having previously played in England with Chelsea.
Speaking at a press conference, Simeone seemed to indicate that the often fiery forward would be leaving Spain.
“The club has been able to help him without being hurt and that creates peace of mind,” said Simeone.
A switch to a LaLiga rival on a free transfer is reportedly not on the cards due to clauses included in Costa’s exit deal.
“You know we love Diego, we have spent a lot of time together in the best way, we gave each other a lot and we have talked to him,” said Simeone.
“He also has the need to find new challenges because he is fine, strong and I cannot imagine another scenario other than him doing good things, because he is a fighter.”
“[We want] to thank him, as to all the people who have given us their hearts, and Diego has been one of them from a sporting and human point of view.
“[I] I hope he finds the best way and can hug each other when we meet again, since we haven’t seen each other for a couple of days because he didn’t come to train while negotiating.
“The most beautiful thing that remains is that we can hug each other when we see each other, celebrate and remember.”
Costa scored 83 goals and provided 36 assists in 215 games for Atleti, where he first arrived in 2006 at just 17 years old.
He won the LaLiga title at the capital club in the 2013-14 season and has also lifted the Copa del Rey and the Europa League with Atleti, as well as being a two-time Premier League champion during his three years at Chelsea.
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