Football
Adriana Garcia 9y

Diego Costa happy at Chelsea despite Atletico Madrid talk

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has played down speculation he asked for a return to Atletico Madrid this summer.

Marca reported at the end of the season that Brazil-born Spain international Costa had failed to settle in London and had contacted the Atletico board to ask about the possibility of a return to the Vicente Calderon just one year after his exit.

Costa, though, subsequently said he was happy at Stamford Bridge and, speaking at the Spanish national team headquarters in Madrid on Wednesday, he again said he was not actively seeking an exit.

He said: "You only consider that when you receive something [an offer]. I had a great season at Chelsea and I was a champion.

"Everyone knows the affection I have for Atletico and how much I like this city, but London is another life and I'm also happy there."

Costa, who scored 20 league goals in 26 league appearances as Chelsea won the title last season, has so far struggled to hit top form with Spain, scoring just once in his seven games for the country.

The 26-year-old now hopes to make an impact in the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers as Spain host Slovakia on Saturday before heading to Macedonia three days later.

"What I'm missing is to score goals, to play better and feel better physically," he said. "I know I can give a lot more and I hope I can start to show that now.

"Each time I'm here, I feel more comfortable, I feel more in tune with the group."

Asked if he felt like he owed Spain a debt, he said: "Of course I feel I owe a debt -- I haven't done anything yet.

"I owe it to the coach [Vicente del Bosque] for the confidence he has placed in me."

Costa made his Spain debut in March 2014 after turning down a call-up from Brazil, but had a disappointing World Cup and only opened his account in October's 4-0 win over Luxembourg.

"I have never regretted choosing to play for Spain," Costa said. "I was certain of the decision I took. The only thing that makes me sad is not to have been able to repay that confidence.

"I have to be better and to be in good shape to do well with the national team."

Costa has missed several Spain games due to hamstring problems.

"Strikers need to score goals and that is what I'm missing," he said. "Goals give you confidence -- this is something pending.

"I have to do things better to get a good run in games and things will be go better with me. It's very important for me personally to score goals."

Costa, who is under contract with Chelsea until June 2019, is expected to start on Saturday and earn his eighth cap for Spain.

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