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Costa admits World Cup worry

Cape Town - Spain and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has revealed he feared his World Cup dream was over after being forced off injured in the 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in last month's Champions League final.

Costa, who has struggled with a nagging hamstring injury for much of the second-half of the season, underwent a rigorous program to be fit for the showpiece in Lisbon and was included in Diego Simeone's starting line-up.

The 24-year-old was forced off after just nine minutes, however, and Costa admits he as worried he may not be fit to travel to Brazil.

"It was in my head that I might not get to the World Cup," the Brazilian-born striker told Spanish publication AS. "I was afraid it could be something [more serious].

"I appreciate the confidence the Coach has shown in me and I hope to give him back the trust he has given me.

"I want to try and somehow be worthwhile."

Costa, though, has since linked up with his international team-mates as they continue their preparations for the World Cup, and hinted he could be fit for La Roja's first clash with the Netherlands on 16th July.

"I think I’m fine. I tried the week after the Champions League but had almost no time to recover. Now I want to train because I’ve had a few weeks without doing anything. All that matters is to train a little.

"Can I get to the first World Cup match? Sure, why not?

It is speculated that Costa has already signed for Mourinho's Chelsea and will head the Blues attack next season with fellow countryman Cesc Fabregas, who has also been linked with a move to the London club after Barcelona confirmed that the midfielder will leave the Catalan club.

"After the Champions League final they wanted to do a test and I came out of it very well because there wasn’t anything that could move me away from the World Cup," Costa said.

"I always look forward to the end of the season but now, even more so. I’m very happy. It’s a special thing for me to live through something like this.

"Hopefully I can do as well as I did this season."

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