Chelsea FC Striker Diego Costa Open To Atletico Madrid Return

Chelsea FC striker Diego Costa has not ruled out the possibility of a return to Atletico Madrid.

Costa has been in poor form so far this season, hitting the back of the net just four times in all competitions. His performances have led people to question his future at Stamford Bridge, with rumours from the summer suggesting an Atletico Madrid return looking increasingly grounded.

Speaking to the Spanish press after Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Porto, Costa failed to dismiss prospects of a return to the Vicente Calderon to work under Diego Simeone.

"You never know (about a return to Atletico Madrid), look how well Filipe Luis is doing now. Life is full of surprises – I always wish Atletico the best and I always follow them and support them from afar. – via The Telegraph"

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The Spaniard burst onto the scene in the stripes of Atletico Madrid by scoring 27 goals in 35 La Liga appearances in the 2013/14 campaign. He was then snapped up by the Blues in a £32 million deal in the summer of 2014 and he subsequently justified his price tag by netting 20 times in 26 Premier League games.

However, rumours surfaced during the summer indicating that Costa was unsettled, despite his prolific form last season. While Blues fans had dismissed the speculation as complete nonsense, the situation has come full circle and it has become an increasingly realistic proposition.

The striker has been in terrible form and while he has struggled in his paid capacity, his demeanour and effort has been more cause for concern. Costa has looked disinterested at times while his petulance was on show when he flung a bib in Jose Mourinho’s direction during the Spurs game.

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Having said that, the last week or so have very much signalled a man in remission. His lack of confidence was still on display during Wednesday night’s Porto clash (he missed three relatively simple one-on-ones) but he was making the runs that were befitting of a forward.

The fact that this was an improvement is testament to his current form, but progress is progress nonetheless.

Mourinho reportedly had a private meeting with Costa las week in an attempt to talk some footballing sense into him and fortunately it seems to have had some effect. However, the striker’s words will do little but reinforce sentiments that his time in England is coming to an end.

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Hopefully this will not be the case because beneath this easily-frustrated and frustrating persona there is a quality footballer and a clinical finisher. I guess at this point, only time will tell.