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Diego Costa Has Asked Atletico Madrid To Terminate His Contract

Diego Costa Has Asked Atletico Madrid To Terminate His Contract

Atletico reportedly wanted to sell the striker last summer but failed to sign a replacement and would only have Luis Suarez left upfront.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Diego Costa has rocked Atletico Madrid by asking to be released from his contract six months early, for personal reasons.

In the summer Atleti added Luis Suarez to their squad, giving hope from fans of the ultimate sh*thouse forward pairing of the former Barcelona man and Costa.

However the club reportedly wanted to sell the Brazilian born Spain international in order to fund a move for Edinson Cavani or another striker.

They were unable to find a suitable buyer for the 32-year-old but he has started just two La Liga games this season, making a further five appearances off the bench.

According to Marca, that could be the only appearances he makes for Atleti this season as he has now asked for his release from the club.

The club are set to sit down and discuss whether they will allow the forward, who is in his second spell in the Spanish capital, ahead of his contract expiring in the summer.

Costa celebrates with Joao Felix. Image: PA Images
Costa celebrates with Joao Felix. Image: PA Images

Diego Simeone's side have impressed so far this season and are currently top of La Liga. Local rivals Real Madrid are level on points with the 2014 Spanish champions but Atleti have two games in hand.

Whilst the manager isn't using Costa much right now, the club would have to dip into the transfer market in January if they allow the striker to leave.

Other than Suarez, who has seven goals in 10 league games, the team has no other out and out strikers, with Joao Felix and Marcos Llorente the other regular starters who can play in advanced roles.

Costa wants to leave as soon as possible to sort out his 'personal problems,' so is unlikely to want to wait for his contract to expire.

Costa in happier times at Stamford Bridge. Image: PA Images
Costa in happier times at Stamford Bridge. Image: PA Images

The former Chelsea forward's return to the Wanda Metropolitano hasn't gone well at all. He had to wait six months at Stamford Bridge till he could get back to Atletico in January for 2018 for Β£54 million.

The striker has just 19 goals in 81 games in the three and a half years in his second spell for Simeone's side, having scored 22 times in 42 appearances in his last season playing for Chelsea.

Atleti's title chances have also been rocked by Kieran Trippier's 10 week ban.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics:Β Football News, Atletico Madrid, Luis Suarez, Diego Costa, Transfer news, La Liga

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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@Sidler28