‘Spain gave me everything’ – Diego Costa explains his decision to snub his home country Brazil

Diego Costa

Diego Costa believes he made the correct decision to commit his international future to Spain because it is the country that has given him ‘everything’.

The 25-year-old signed the official documentation required to turn down the lure of Brazil and commit himself to Spain ahead of next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Costa is the leading scorer in La Liga this term with 11 goals in 10 matches and explained how choosing to represent La Roja over A Selecao was a difficult decision.

“I hope people understand and respect my decision because it has been very difficult,” he said. “It was very difficult to choose between the country where you were born and the country that has given you everything.

“I looked at everything and saw that it was right and best to play for Spain because this is where I have done everything. All that I have in my life was given to me by this country.

“I have a special affection. Here I feel very appreciated for all that I do and I feel the love of the people.”

The Atletico Madrid front man did play for Brazil earlier this year, against Italy, but he was still allowed to switch allegiances because it was a friendly match played in Geneva.

Diego Costa has a 72% shot accuracy in La Liga season