Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 8y

Diego Costa could still play at Euro 2016 - Spain coach Vicente del Bosque

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says Chelsea striker Diego Costa will go to the summer's European Championships if he is playing well at club level.

Brazil-born Costa, 27, has scored just once in 10 Spain appearances -- against Luxembourg -- amid no signs that the bustling, physical centre-forward has adapted to playing amid La Roja's well-established, cultured passing style.

Regular fitness issues and a difficult relationship between the Spanish set-up and ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho did not help Costa's case, while Del Bosque admitted earlier this season that the former Atletico Madrid attacker's on-pitch behaviour has also been an issue in his thinking.

Del Bosque has other younger options for the No. 9 role in his team -- including Valencia's Paco Alcacer and Juventus' Alvaro Morata, and Celta Vigo wideman Nolito has also stepped up impressively to the international scene over the last 12 months.

However the veteran coach told Radio Marca that no firm decision had yet been made, suggesting that club form would play a big role in the final squad call.

"If we see he is going well, Diego Costa will go to the Euros," Del Bosque said. "There is nobody marginalised."

Del Bosque's own future has also been a subject of discussion through recent months, and he himself said in December that it would be "normal" if he steps down after Euro 2016.

The upcoming presidential elections within the Spanish FA (RFEF), currently scheduled for April 22, could complicate matters as long-time chief Angel Maria Villar now looks likely to face a challenge from the federation's secretary general Jorge Perez.

The 65-year-old, who guided Spain to the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 trophies but oversaw a group exit at World Cup 2014, said he expected to stay in some role within Spanish football after the summer's tournament.

"I have a personal commitment with Villar, Jorge Perez, and the RFEF, but my staying on is not linked with Villar," Del Bosque said. "At the moment I do not see myself at the 2018 World Cup, but there is a long time to go yet. I will never leave the federation, I will be where they ask me."

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