Diego Costa, arguably the star of Atletico Madrid’s Spanish championship win, has completed an amazing $53.5 million move to Chelsea, reports The Guardian. Costa helped Atletico Madrid win their first Spanish championship since 1996.
Despite being born-and-raised in Brazil, Costa took Spanish citizenship in 2013 and will play for his adopted homeland in this summer’s World Cup.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. He Got Through His Physical
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Costa completed the move after passing a physical with Chelsea. Passing the medical so easily comes as a shock considering the injury problems he suffered towards the end of the soccer season in Spain. During Atletico Madrid’s final game of the regular season where they secured the championship, Costa came off injured early on. Later, in the Champions League final, Costa only lasted a few minutes on the field before he succumbed to injury.
2. Chelsea Badly Needed a ‘Killer Striker’
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There had been calls from Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to spend big money on a striker like Diego Costa. The team’s forwards Demba Ba, Samuel E’to and Fernando Torres had underperformed during the 2013/14 season. During the season, Chelsea scored 30 goals less than eventual English champions Manchester City.
3. Costa Scored 27 Times Last Season
Costa would appear to be just what Chelsea and Mourinho need. During the season, Costa managed to score 27 goals in 34 league games. He also scored against his new employers in the semi-finals of the European Champions League back in April. Costa finished third in Spain’s high scoring charts, behind the two best players in the world Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
4. Costa & Mourinho Have the Same Agent
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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. (Getty)
The $53.5 million deal met Costa’s contract buyout clause. Both Costa and his new coach, Jose Mourinho, have the same agent, Jorge Mendes, aiding simple business.
5. This Won’t Be the Last Dealings That Chelsea & Atletico Madrid Have
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Atletico Madrid’s fans face the prospect of losing the core of their 2014 Championship team this summer. (Getty)
According to further media reports, Chelsea are also interested in Costa’s former team mates, Filipe Luis and Tiago.
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