It’s done. Diego Costa has officially returned to the employ of Atletico Madrid, with the striker’s Chelsea exit confirmed by both parties on Tuesday night.
The transaction, said to be valued in excess of £50million, will take effect on the first day of January, 2018 – the day on which Atleti’s current transfer embargo is lifted. Costa will wear the No.18 shirt, what with Lucas Hernandez now inhabiting his old No.19 top.
As is the done thing, Costa has penned an Emotional Open Letter™ to Chelsea fans, thanking them all for the love they afforded him during his successful three-year stint at Stamford Bridge.
Pouring his little heart out on his Facebook page, the 28-year-old wrote:
Some cycles begin while others end. My cycle at Chelsea began three years ago – three remarkable years in all aspects – and I will never forget it.
Two championship titles, a Community Shield, 120 matches, 59 goals and 24 assists later this cycle has ended. Not the way I would have wanted – far from it – but the best way possible.
The wonderful fans of such an equally admirable club and all my team-mates, as well as all clinical, administrative and logistics staff will remain forever in my mind and in my heart.
I will bring them with me with the certainty that I will always be by their side as well, and I’m sure they will understand the reason why this cycle of mine has now ended – because I could not lose faith in myself.
Thank you Chelsea for everything!
God bless the logistics staff – professional football’s perennially unsung heroes.
And God bless Diego, for now his cycle begins anew.