Costa: I wanted Atleti return

Cape Town - Chelsea striker Diego Costa admits that he was eager to secure a transfer back to former club Atletico Madrid.

The Brazil-born Spain international joined the Blues in 2014 after two seasons with Los Rojiblancos, winning La Liga and reaching the Champions League final.

There were reports that the 27-year-old wanted to quit Stamford Bridge for another spell at Vicente Calderon, and he admits that the rumours were true.

"I wanted to go back, I won't lie about it," he is quoted as saying by AS. "Everybody knows there was a possibility of going back to Atletico but it didn't happen because of a few details.

"Now I'm at Chelsea, I'm happy there and I've started the season with them. I hope Atletico do well this season like last year and win titles."

Costa has started the current campaign in good form, and already has two goals from three Premier League matches.