MADRID (AP) – Diego Costa says he’s ready to play for Atletico Madrid after a long layoff following his exit from Chelsea.
The Brazilian-born striker was presented by Atletico on Sunday along with fellow winter reinforcement Victor “Vitolo” Machin.
“I have been waiting for this for a long time,” Costa said. “I am tired of training, I want to play.”
Diego Costa waves to fans during his official presentation for Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. Costa was signed from Chelsea earlier in 2017 but was not eligible to play until 2018. (AP Photo/Paul White)
He will reunite with his former team and coach Diego Simeone. Costa’s goals led Atletico to the Spanish league title and the final of the Champions League in 2014.
Costa hasn’t played a competitive match since last season, when he helped Chelsea win the English Premier League before falling out with coach Antonio Conte. Chelsea and Atletico reached an agreement in September over Costa’s transfer.
Costa and Vitolo aren’t allowed to play for Atletico until January when the club’s ban on fielding new players expires. The ban was imposed by FIFA after the club broke rules regarding youth players.
Atletico is second in the Spanish league, nine points behind Barcelona.
Atletico visits Lleida in the round of 16 in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, and hosts Getafe in La Liga on Saturday.
Diego Costa pauses while responding to journalists questions during his official presentation for Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. Costa was signed from Chelsea earlier in 2017 but was not eligible to play until 2018. (AP Photo/Paul White)
Diego Costa waves to fans during his official presentation for Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. Costa was signed from Chelsea earlier in 2017 but was not eligible to play until 2018. (AP Photo/Paul White)
Diego Costa poses with children wearing Atletico shirts during his official presentation for Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. Costa was signed from Chelsea earlier in 2017 but was not eligible to play until 2018. (AP Photo/Paul White)
Diego Costa holds up his new shirt during his official presentation for Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. Costa was signed from Chelsea earlier in 2017 but was not eligible to play until 2018. (AP Photo/Paul White)
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