Diego Costa: Why I left Chelsea for Atletico Madrid

Diego Costa says he was “very happy” at Chelsea, but is delighted to be coming “home” to play for Atletico Madrid.

Costa has arrived in Spain to undergo a medical, after it was announced on Thursday that his former club have re-signed him from Chelsea, for a fee believed to be in the region of £58m.

The 28-year-old joined Chelsea from Atletico in 2014 and scored 59 goals in 120 games, as they won two titles in three seasons.

But his relationship with manager Antonio Conte deteriorated this year and Costa ended up in exile in Brazil.

Regarding his departure from the Blues, the Spain international told Marca: “It’s not the way I wanted to leave, ever. I have a special affection for the people at Chelsea.

“I’m not a person who is going to smear the image. They know the person I am.

“I wanted to return (to Atletico). I’m not going to be ungrateful to Chelsea, where I was also very happy, playing in a team that was great.

“Atletico is my home and I’m here.”