In one of the more shocking rumours to surface in recent months, sources are reporting (Spanish-language link) that Chelsea FC’s Diego Costa has signalled his intention to leave the club and return back to Spain.
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MARCA, one of the top sports newspapers in Spain, is saying that Costa is in fact very unsettled in West London. However, the issue is not to do with the club, but more to do with the English way of life.
‘Diego Costa is not happy at Chelsea. We are not talking about the dressing room (where he has good friends like Filipe Luis and Cesc Fabregas, from whom he never separates), nor a failure to adapt to the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho, because he maintains an excellent relationship with him.
‘His problem is a failure to adapt to London, the rainy English climate, the language, and the food.’
This is surprising news to say the least as I have no recollection of any murmurings of discontent from earlier on in the season. It certainly didn’t show on the pitch either as he led Chelsea’s scoring charts with 20 goals in 26 league appearances.
While delving deeper into the story, Eurosport provided a pretty good reason for why Costa has been so effective despite apparently being so unsettled:
‘Perhaps Costa has witnessed Chelsea’s stubbornness with Fernando Torres – made to stay for several excruciating years – and decided that he would be better off playing himself into a move elsewhere.’
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After Chelsea spent £27 million to acquire him last summer it is thought that both Mourinho and Roman Abramovich will block any attempt at a deal, especially given how vital he has been to this season’s successes and the current lack of depth in the striking role.
However, when players do get upset and start moaning, they more than often get their way. Costa has already apparently been in contact with Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone to discuss the possibility of a move back to the club that made him.
‘The striker has been put in contact with the executives of Atlético Madrid – with whom he keeps a excellent relationship – with one objective, to return home…, in fact, has already been in contact with the striker in order to convince him to return to the club.’
Costa has already apparently been in contact with Atlético Madrid
If these rumours are founded and a deal potentially on the table, all parties know that Costa would have to take a significant wage cut for a deal to be struck. Though being comfortable in his surroundings may enable just that.
‘Personal life is a key determinant for Costa to take a salary cut. He was earning double at Chelsea than what he earned at Atlético…and he knows that it would be necessary to lower his salary in order to return to the club.’
While this is big news, it is worth treating it with trepidation (as my colleagues here rightly pointed out) especially as we are approaching that time of year when football journalists have literally nothing to say and a lot of time on their hands. Nevertheless, this is a very intriguing development after what was (injuries aside) a great first Premier League season.
What do you guys think? Is this complete nonsense that I’ve been sucked in to? Or am I right in feeling a little bit worried? Sound off in the comments below!
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