Posted on: 15/06/2014

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Diego Costa has today completed his transfer from Atletico Madrid by signing a five-year contract.

He will join up with the first team for our pre-season European training camp next week.

Since becoming a first-choice selection at Atletico, Costa has been one of the most consistent strikers in European football, with his goals and performances over the course of 2013/14 propelling his former club to a first La Liga title in 18 years and a place in the Champions League final.

Powerful and direct, the 25-year-old built a strong reputation in Spain as a fine finisher, particularly in one-on-one situations, and is capable of scoring goals with both his left and right foot while his physical nature also makes him a real threat in the air. His favoured position is as the central striker, with his ability to run in behind opposition defenders making him difficult to pick up.

**Costa said: ‘I am very happy to sign for Chelsea. Everybody knows it is a big club in a very competitive league, and I am very excited to get started in England with a fantastic coach and team-mates. Having played against Chelsea last season I know the high quality of the squad I am joining.

‘I would like to thank everybody at Atletico who made me into the player I am, it was an incredible time for me, but now I am starting a new adventure and I hope to win many trophies with Chelsea.’**

Born in Brazil, Costa’s professional career began at Portuguese club Braga in February 2006. A loan spell at Penafiel in the second division followed before he was sold to Atletico during the 2006/07 campaign. He was then immediately loaned back to Braga until the end of the season, where he scored his first goal for the club in a UEFA Cup win against Parma.

Over the course of the following two seasons, further loan spells with Celta Vigo and Albecete proved important periods in the player’s development as he gained regular first-team football and developed a ruthless streak in front of goal.

In the summer of 2009 Costa was sold to Real Valladolid, and while he enjoyed a fantastic start to his time with the Spanish club, scoring six goals in his first 12 games, the team were struggling and they ended the season relegated.

Ahead of the 2010/11 season a buy-back clause was triggered by Atletico, ensuring Costa returned to the Spanish capital. Both Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan, however, were ahead of him in the pecking order meaning breaking into the side was not going to be easy.

An injury to Aguero afforded Costa an opportunity and, after scoring the only goal of the game against Real Zaragoza, he went on to net in quick succession against Seville, Getafe and Rosenborg. Later in the season he scored his first hat-trick for the club in a 3-2 win at Osasuna.

Costa missed the first half of the 2011/12 campaign due to injury before spending the second half on loan at Rayo Vallecano, where he enjoyed a fruitful time in front of goal, scoring 10 times in 16 appearances.The 2012/13 season was the one in which he genuinely established himself as a crucial part of Diego Simeone’s Atletico side. Regular starts ensured he was able to produce consistent performances and he ended the season with an impressive 20 goals.Costa was a key figure in Atletico’s successful Spanish Cup campaign, scoring three goals over the course of a two-legged semi-final against Seville and also firing the equaliser as they came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the final. He finished as the competition’s top scorer with eight goals.

In 2013/14 he again took his game to another level, with his goals inspiring Atletico to overcome Real Madrid and Barcelona to win the Spanish title.

An opening-day brace in a 3-1 win at Seville was an indication of what was to come, and Costa followed it up with another goal in their next game, a 5-0 win against Rayo Vallecano.

Four days after scoring both goals in a 2-1 win against Osasuna, he netted the only goal of the game as Atletico lay down a marker for the campaign with a 1-0 win against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

His influence wasn’t just restricted to La Liga and he scored four goals during the group stages of the Champions League. December was a particularly productive period as he netted five goals in a 10-day spell.When the Champions League resumed in February, Costa scored the only goal of the game as Atletico won 1-0 away at AC Milan in their Round of 16 clash, as well as netting a brace in a comfortable 4-1 second-leg victory.

With Atletico by this time well placed to challenge for the La Liga title, he continued to shine domestically, scoring in four consecutive victories at the end of March, against Espanyol, Real Betis, Granada and Athletic Bilbao.He then went on to score in consecutive matches against Getafe and Elche, before his final goal for the club against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final second leg.

Atletico secured the Spanish title courtesy of a final-day draw against Barcelona at Camp Nou, although on a personal note it was a disappointing afternoon for Costa as he limped out of the game early on with the hamstring injury that would limit his participation in the all-Madrid Champions League final to just the opening few minutes.He ended his time at Atletico having scored 64 goals in 134 appearances.

On the international stage, Costa made his debut for Brazil in a friendly against Italy in March 2013, coming off the bench to replace Fred in a 2-2 draw.

With the player granted Spanish citizenship in the summer of 2013, he declared he wanted to play for his adopted country. In February 2014, he was called up to the Spain squad for the first time and made his debut in a 1-0 win against Italy at the Vicente Calderon Stadium, home of Atletico.He started Spain’s first two games at the World Cup and has six caps to his name.

Source: Chelsea FC official website.

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Here you go, Alex:

@KingHenry Even though you went off topic I want to tell you a simple logic that if you buy Torres & Lord Bertrand for 1 billion euros, it doesn't mean that you already won the title since you spent that 1 billion on a player. Stop being naive and think that money is everything. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal, Spurs, Monaco, Manchester United etc last season proved more that Money is not everything in football. Believe it or not... There are actual players made of a human beings playing on the pitch and there are managers to guide them too.

When we finished 6th? You mean when the first and only Londoners won the Champions League?

Wait, hang on a sec, Al.

Are you seriously going to claim that money isn't important, in the year in which Madrid won the CL, City won the PL, Bayern won the Bundesliga and PSG won Ligue 1?

C'mon, man. Chelsea, too, have spent a net of 277m Pounds (In: 410m, Out: 133m) over the last 4 summers to try and win the league again, and a net 137m (In: 254m, Out: 117m) over the last 2 summers alone, to get yourself out of 6th and back into the Top 3 (and yes, after winning the CL along the way).

Money makes the difference in the long-run, and you know it man.

I have to agree with Lodatz here, @Alex.

@Lodatz I didn't say that Money is not a factor.. This is what I said "Stop being naive and think that money is everything" Money is definitely not everything. You have the right to your opinion to think that money is everything but in reality it's not always the case. and I was talking to KH as a reply to the off topic Chelsea<>Arsenal rants.

What do you describe Arsenal's defeat to League Two Bradford? To Bradford Arsenal is no difference to PSG a money club and they went there and won it. I can give you a million of examples if I had the time, but I'm pretty sure you can figure out yourself since you watch football.

"What do you describe Arsenal's defeat to League Two Bradford?"

Me? Hilarious. But then I'm a Spurs fan. ;)

I'm sure all of you found the hammerings Spurs took last season hilarious too.

Permit others to enjoy their moment of hilarity at Chelsea, maybe? Might be the last one we have for a while, now that Mou is back. But the few (enormously high-spending) years before that?

<insert trollface>

We all have to endure it now and again. ;)

I feel happy for the other fans when they sign a good player even if they are our rivals and I mentioned that before. But apparently KH feels worried about this signing ;) Because Arsenal & Wenger missed Drogba. Since he left we didn't manage to beat Arsenal at all even last season... Oh wait.....

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<hands the burn kit over to KH and heads to bed>

"He's ugly, he's a asshole and a cheat" Have to agree with KingHenry, he was the biggest rat of La Liga, if you disagree, you're either the biggest fan of him, or never have seen him play in La Liga. Atleast there will be more heat in BPL games.

Just a little video, that shows his ugly side. These are just from few games.

Alex, don't take it bad, like you said, players are humans, and like I said, you would have to REALLY REALLY suck to finish below Newcastle and Spurs. Which you really really did that season. If you're a chelsea fan, which I don't wish on ANYBODY, at least admit that you are full of f*cking money, and that given this, anything below 4th means the same thing as relegation to a club like Newcastle. And don't pretend money doesn't matter either because you know very well that's total bs.

Btw, I'm not worrying too much about costa yet, I'm focused on arsenal's transfers. I'll look at the chelsea squad in august when the EPL starts. I was just saying that this man is ugly, and that I hate him already. Which is very suiting because he plays at chelsea. I hope he flops even if I'm pretty sure he'll be a good transfer, but I can't help but wish the worst to your club (｡◕‿◕｡)

@descenk

That match was a classic example of when referee losses control of the match . And literally everyone in that match was " cheating and playing dirty " .

Costa is a rough player and he will be exactly what we need against Arsenal defense . Just like Drogba who used to push around EPL defenders as they were little girls , he will be doing same thing after he gets little more buffed up for EPL and under Mourinho guidance he will become cold blooded striker .

@kinghenry

Same to you cheers . Trust me when it comes to domestic competition we Chelsea fans wish you the worst ! ;)

Certainly think that Sanchez will become another Ozil , who will end up being used wrongly and eventually both of them will departure . Can't wait for Ozil to wear Chelsea jersey and Sanchez bagging goals for City . BTw No worries we will make room for him right next FABREGAS ! :))) And Khedira , we will wait until he passes medical at Arsenal than we will snatch him .

And do not get too ahead of yourself , just because EPL has shaped into top teams with more money than other clubs does not take the fact that you have finished below Spurs and Newcastle before and you may in future again :)))

and in the end ... Arsenal transfers ? You mean 4 players that left the club or you address to Sanchez transfer in plural form ?

@Decent Is that a video about how dirty Ramos and Pepe play? Because I didn't see anything wrong with Costa in there. and if he did something there then they deserved it.

@KH lol mate you are mentioning that he is ugly so much, are you by any chance a girl? If so then he is not interested. and as for money, Okey. Money is everything and therefore Arsenal are a failure with their manager to not win anything for 9 years after all that spendings *Cough* Ok one FA Cup. to make it worse you lost to a League two team which is how the media called it "A new low" If you have anything good to say in one of my threads then next time just say it instead of posting an off topic and useless rant to avoid my replies because when it comes to Chelsea and Arsenal rants you will surely lose 6-0. "Without a striker". (｡◕‿◕｡)

Remember this guys,

-He cost 3 million less than Carroll and Anderson.
-He cost 2 million more than an 18 year-old LB.
-He cost 2 million more than fellow Spanaird, Roberto Soldado.
-He is world-class.
-He's not Torres.

@alex I'm okay with everything you tell me. I know that sometimes we sucked, and that wéve been a laughing stock in transfers for a pretty long period. I dont deny it. Just like you shouldnt be ashamed to admit that without this russian guy you wouldnt have any of the medals you ve had these last 10 years. You are a wallet club, and you wave stupid flags. And thats why no one can stand you.

KTTKKFFBBFFFHHH am I right ?

@KingHenry yeah without the russian guy(abramovich) we wouldn't have any medals, so yes we spend money and we win trophies but your sad club doesn't spend money and wins nothing arsenal is just a greedy club.

@ chelsea8 , Arsenal is surely a greedy club because we spent 42m on ozil and 34m on sanchez. The reason why Arsenal barely spent the last 9 years is because Arsenal built a new 400m+ stadium taking us into debt. Now that we've repayed our debt , we wilk go on spending spree's maybe not as big as chelsea and city, but it'd be good for our team.

@arsenalgunners i'm happy that we both agree that there is nothing wrong with spending money, i hate arsenal but i hope you guys will get strong like when you guys had pires, henry, ljunberg, lehman,... those where the days i actually enjoyed watching arsenal but hey i hope chelsea will be always above arsenal :D

lol yeah EPL will have lots of teams competing this season .

LOL, If anyone has played Age of Empires, they'll get this joke.