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Diego Costa has left Atlético de Madrid after the forward’s contract was terminated by mutual agreement.
The club announced on Tuesday that Costa’s deal, which only had six months left, until June 2021, had been terminated.
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It means that Costa will be able to join a new club with a free transfer, while Atlético will significantly reduce their salary expense, allowing them to strengthen the team during the January window.
“Atlético de Madrid and Diego Costa have reached an agreement to terminate the forward’s contract, which was to end on June 30, 2021,” a club statement read.
The forward asked a few days ago to leave the club for personal reasons and on Tuesday he signed the termination of his contract.
The club thanks Diego Costa for his dedication during these years and wishes him the best in the next stage of his professional career ”.
Atlético coach Diego Simeone said Costa had given “everything” to the club.
“He has given us a lot and we have given him a lot,” Simeone told a news conference on Tuesday.
“He needs new challenges because he feels good, strong, in good shape. I can only imagine that wherever he goes he will do well because he is a fighter.”
“Diego has always given us everything, in the sporting and human sense. Let’s hope he finds the right path and we can meet again and give each other a hug.”
Costa, 32, rejoined Atlético from Chelsea in January 2018 for € 66 million after spending three and a half seasons at Stamford Bridge.
His first stint in Madrid was successful, culminating in winning the League in 2013-14 and reaching the final of the Champions League that same season.
Costa scored 27 league goals that span when Diego Simeone’s team claimed the club’s first league title in 18 years.
Agree with @Diego Costa for the termination of your contract.
The club wishes the forward good luck in the next stage of his professional career.– Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 29, 2020
His return to the club was somewhat disappointing, with his form interrupted by a series of injuries that meant he was only able to score a total of 12 league goals in three years.
Last season, a herniated disc saw Costa absent for three months, from November 2019 to February 2020.
He began this campaign testing positive for the coronavirus in September, returned to face a month-long absence with a hamstring injury in October, and was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in November.
Costa returned to action, earlier than expected, to score a penalty in Atlético’s 3-1 victory over Elche in La Liga earlier this month, which will now be his last goal for the club.
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