Diego Costa is a free agent after Atletico Madrid cancelled his contract with immediate effect, upon the striker's request.
The former Chelsea forward has been unhappy in Madrid for some time, and was always likely to leave the club at the end of the season.
However, a statement from Atletico said the 32-year-old, whose contract was due to run out in June 2021, had asked several days ago to leave the club immediately for personal reasons and on Tuesday he signed his release from his current deal.
"We have spent a lot of time together over the years, he has given us a lot and we have given him a lot too," Atletico coach Diego Simeone told a news conference moments after it was announced Costa was leaving.
"We spoke about his personal issues and the club wanted to help him without harming its own interests and we feel better now we have resolved the issue. He felt the need to find a new challenge, and I'm sure wherever he goes he will do well, because he's a fighter.
Costa helped Atletico to the Spanish title in 2014 with 27 goals but left for Chelsea that same year. The Spain striker returned to the Spanish capital in 2018 but has struggled to make an impact in his second spell, which has been repeatedly interrupted by injuries. Costa started 43 La Liga matches since returning to Atletico, scoring 12 goals while winning two trophies, the 2018 Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup the same year.
Latest Stories
-
Herman Suede is set to release ‘How Dare You’ on April 24
3 hours -
Heal KATH: Kuapa Kokoo, Association of Garages donate 120k to support project
3 hours -
KNUST signs MOU with Valco Trust Fund, Bekwai Municipal Hospital to build student hostel
3 hours -
The influence Ronaldo has on people, Cadman Yamoah will have same on the next generation – Coach Goodwin
4 hours -
Gender Advocate Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee Wins prestigious Merck Foundation Awards
5 hours -
South Africa bursary scandal suspects granted bail
5 hours -
Ecobank successfully repays $500m Eurobond due April 18
5 hours -
Re: Doe Adjaho, Torgbui Samlafo IV, call for Unity among Paramountcies in Anlo
5 hours -
Extortion and kidnap – a deadly journey across Mexico into the US
5 hours -
Rihanna says fashion has helped her personal ‘rediscovery’ after having children
5 hours -
Development Bank Ghana targets GH¢1bn funding for commercial banks in 2024
6 hours -
Shatta Movement apologises to Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled after backlash
6 hours -
Sammy Gyamfi writes: Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project; A railway line to nowhere
7 hours -
Bright Simons: Is the World Bank saving or harming Ghana?
7 hours -
CAF Cup: RS Berkane banned from entering Algeria because of a map of Morocco with its Sahara
7 hours