Atlético Madrid and Diego Costa agree termination of striker’s contract

“The striker, who requested to depart the membership for private causes, signed the termination of his contract that ran till June 30, 2021,” stated Atlético on its web site.

Costa performed 215 matches and scored 83 objectives for Atlético, serving to the membership win the La Liga title (2014), the Spanish Cup (2013), the Europa League (2018) and two UEFA Tremendous Cups (2010 and 2018), in response to the Spanish group.

The Brazilian-born Costa additionally performed for Chelsea between 2014 and 2017, successful two Premier League titles with the London membership, earlier than returning to the Madrid group.

Atlético is prime of La Liga — on purpose distinction from champion Actual Madrid — however Costa has performed simply seven instances this season and final began a sport on October 17.

In addition to main La Liga, Atlético is within the final 16 of the Champions League and faces Chelsea in a two-legged tie on February 23 and March 17.

“The membership thanks Diego Costa for his dedication throughout these years and desires him nicely within the subsequent stage of his skilled profession,” stated the Atlético assertion.

Go to CNN.com/sport for extra information, options, and movies

In March, because the world grappled with the unfold of the coronavirus, Atlético condemned Costa for coughing on reporters after the Spanish membership’s Champions League win over Liverpool.

In a video circulating on social media, Costa may very well be seen laughing and aiming coughs within the course of reporters gathered in Anfield’s blended zone.

“It is a pity that some individuals discover it obscure the importance of this disaster. The participant has repented and apologized when he realized his mistake,” Atletico advised CNN in an announcement.

See also  Zinedine Zidane hails Karim Benzema as the best French striker in historical past