Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa signs for Atletico Mineiro on free transfer
KATHMANDU: AUGUST 16 – Atletico Mineiro have completed the signing of striker Diego Costa on a free transfer, marking the latest high-profile arrival at the Brazilian Serie A club.
The 32-year-old is expected to travel to the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte on Monday to complete a routine medical after agreeing to personal terms of a contract that will run until December 2022.
“Hello. I am very happy and motivated to play for the biggest club of all,” Costa said in a video posted by Atletico on social media.
The club’s president, Sergio Coelho, also confirmed the news with a series of social media posts.
“We are very happy with his arrival. We are working very hard to have a leading team that is among the best in Latin America,” Coelho said.
Costa has not played competitively since leaving Atletico Madrid in December. He has also been linked with Arsenal, Juventus and Besiktas.
He is the fourth international to join the Belo Horizonte club this year. The others are former Porto and Shanghai SIPG star Hulk, Chilean forward Eduardo Vargas and Argentine playmaker Ignacio Fernandez.
The signings have helped Atletico climb to the top of the Brazilian Serie A standings and reach the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s top club competition.
Costa has never played professionally in the country of his birth, having joined Portugal’s Braga as a 17-year-old.
After two friendly appearances for Brazil, Costa gained Spanish citizenship in 2013 and made his debut for his adopted country the following year. He has played 24 times for the Roja and scored 10 goals.
-Collaboration With Agencies
