Months and months of speculation about the Striker’s future finally seem to be coming to an end with a move to Atletico Madrid finally being agreed by Chelsea 20 days after the window slammed shut in Spain.
The Spain international has been AWOL after being deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, while his relationship with the club and manager Antonio Conte has grown increasingly toxic.
Costa has been in his native Brazil for nearly seven weeks in an attempt to force through a return to Atletico Madrid, from whom he joined from in 2014, and he recently said he thought it was “disrespectful” that Chelsea boss had texted him to inform him that he was no longer wanted.
Costa will leave Chelsea in the New Year boasting the outstanding Premier League record of scoring 52 goals and providing 16 assists in 89 appearances – winning two titles in the process.
Here are few of his top moments in the Chelsea shirt
1) Player of the month in his first month –
Costa signed for Chelsea in August 2014 and had a fantastic start to life in England as he scored 4 goals in his first three appearances for the club. He was named player of the month for August due to that.
2) First trophy in England –
Chelsea beat Tottenham in the League cup final as Costa clinched his first trophy of the season. His shot was deflected into the net by Kyle Walker for Chelsea’s second goal on the night.
3) Premier League Success –
Couple of months later Costa bagged his first Premier League title. The Striker was also named in the PFA team of the year alongside 5 other Chelsea team-mates.
4) Records broken –
Costa scores his 20th Premier League goal of the 2017 season as Chelsea condemned Middlesbrough to relegation following a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge. In doing so, Costa became only the third player to score 20 or more goals in a Premier League season for Chelsea on two occasions after Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Didier Drogba.
5) Costa wins title number two –
After securing the League in his first season and a forgettable second season, Costa helped Chelsea to secure their 2nd title in 3 seasons. The Striker seemed in a jolly mood as fans would remember him and Luiz kidnapping manager Conte from a press conference after the win at West Brom.
During his time, the Spaniard went on to become something of a fan favourite and an opposition’s nightmare. His determination and grit were second to none as he could fashion goals out of even the dullest of games. Fans were endeared by his performances especially against Arsenal as he took to scoring against them quite often just like King Drogba.
All in all, keeping his antics aside, the player will certainly be missed by the Stamford Bridge faithful and they will hope that Morata replaces him well.
