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January 1, 2018

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Atletico bets on Costa’s second coming

Source: Agencies | 00:01 UTC+8 January 1, 2018 | Print Edition

Diego Costa is eager to begin his second spell at Atletico Madrid after spending the last three months confined to the club’s training ground, shackled by the club’s ban on registering new players, the striker said yesterday.

“I’ve waited a long time for this day, I’ve been working hard and training hard but there’s nothing else to do, I need to play, I’m tired of training,” Costa said.

Costa, who fired Atletico to a first league title in 18 years in 2014, agreed a return to the club from Chelsea in September for 57 million pounds (US$77 million), nearly double the price he left for more than three years ago.

He was officially presented alongside fellow Spain teammate Vitolo, who signed from Sevilla in July for 40 million euros, before an open training session at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium, which local media said 20,000 supporters attended.

“I’m in much better shape than when I arrived.

“I’ve prepared well and worked hard and I’m ready to help the team and score goals,” Costa said.

Atletico’s ban on registering new players due to the illegal transfer of minors expires today, meaning Costa could make his debut against Lleida Esportiu in the Copa del Rey match on Wednesday, with his first league appearance set for Saturday at home to Getafe.

Atletico is second in the league but Costa’s return cannot come soon enough for Diego Simeone’s side which is nine points adrift of leader Barcelona and had its confidence rocked by elimination from the Champions League group stage.

“I want to thank the club from the bottom of the heart for the effort they made to bring me back here,” said Costa.

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