Diego Costa has been away from football since last December citing personal reasons; The striker has verbally agreed a deal worth $ 3 million.
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According to Goal, Diego Costa and Atletico Mineiro have verbally agreed a one-year deal worth 3 million USD. Thus the 32-year-old striker is set for a return to his native Brazil after staying away from the football field for a while. The former Spain international left Atletico Madrid last December, is expected to be in Belo in the coming days for a medical evaluation and to sign the deal. Meanhwile The signing of Costa was made possible by the departures of Bueno, Gabriel, Diego Tardelli and Marrony.
The 3 million USD deal might appear significantly less considering Costa’s high profile. But there are potential bonuses tied to advancement in domestic and continental competitions that could raise the final total.
Atletico Mineiro boss Cuca was the main proponent of the deal getting done. He was backing the pursuit from day one and made sure that it would be consummated. Meanwhile Director Rodrigo Caetano was the one responsible for negotiating with the athlete from behind the scenes.
The striker left Wanda Metropolitano six months before his contract expired citing personal reasons. Simce then he has been away from the game. Therefore it would be interesting to see how the former Chelseaman performs on return.
Although he received interest from Benfica and Bologna FC, negotiations never progressed.
The forward had a successful stint with Chelsea winning two Premier League titles and an English League Cup. He then returned to Atletico Madrid in 2018.
However since the return to Madrid the Brazilian wasn’t at his best, scoring just 12 goals in the last four campaigns.
The 6 foot 2 inch tall forward has netted 52 times for The Blues in 79 English Premier League appearances and he scored 20 goals in the 2016/17 campaign for the London based club.
Meanwhile he has also scored 73 goals for La Liga champions in 205 league appearances. Therefore Atletico Mineiro will be hoping that the time away from football might have cleared his mind and he will be able to rejuvenate himself.
