Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa has ignited transfer speculation over his future following an Instagram post hinting that he may be returning to European football.
The 24-time capped Spain international mutually agreed to cancel his contract at Atletico Madrid a year ago, before spending four months without a club.
The striker then penned a contract with Atletico Mineiro, whom he helped propel to the Brazilian league title – their first in 50 years and just the second in their history.
Costa netted five goals in 19 appearances for the club, where he played alongside former Brazil international and Porto striker Hulk.
The 33-year-old has now posted a message on social media that has fuelled rumours that he may once again be on the move.
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Costa posted a ‘Happy New Year’ message in his native Portuguese language – having been born in Brazil – alongside emojis of a plane and a Spanish flag.
The caption was placed on top of a photo showing the striker’s Spanish passport alongside a plane ticket – with the precise destination not made clear.
It has inevitably led to speculation that the experienced striker may be plotting a return to Spanish football, where he previously starred for Atletico Madrid.
Costa netted a total of 83 goals across two spells for Los Rojiblancos, most famously firing 36 goals in the 2013-14 season – spearheading the club to the league title and to the Champions League final.
The striker then spent three seasons at Chelsea – where he netted 59 goals across three full seasons, and led the Blues to the Premier League titles in 2015 and 2017.
He then returned to be reunited with boss Diego Simeone at Atleti, but he was unable to rekindle the form of his first spell at the club and struggled to hold down a regular starting spot.
That prompted Costa’s departure from the Spanish capital last year when both player and club agreed to a mutual termination.
After four months without a club and training in Brazil, he subsequently joined Atletico Mineiro whom he helped propel to the league title and the Copa do Brasil.
He scored on his debut on 29 August, coming off the bench in the second half and settling a 1–1 league draw to Red Bull Bragantino.
Costa’s contract at the Brazilian club is scheduled to run through to December 2022.
Costa’s senior career began at Portuguese clubs Braga and Penafiel before joining Atletico Madrid, but he went on to have loan spells at Celta Vigo, Rayo Vallecano and Albacete, alongside a stint at Real Valladolid.
