Submitted by content on Sun, 10/22/2017 - 07:10
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has paid tribute to compatriot Diego Costa after he sealed his proposed move to Atletico Madrid.
The Spain international, however, added that it is a shame for the 28-year-old as he would have to spent the next couple of months away from the playing field.
Costa had made his mind up to join Atleti in early June after Antonio Conte privately texted the Spaniard to state that he does not feature in the Blues' first-team plans. The marksman followed to spent the next couple of months in his native Brazil with a personal trainer, although he was spotted playing beach football with his friends on a number of occasions.
According to Sky Sports, Costa will initially join the Madrid giants on a short-term loan before sealing a permanent £50m plus move at the end of the season. The deal is said to have been finalised for Atleti to meet with the Financial Fair Play requirements which have become necessary with modern day management of football clubs.
Speaking on Costa's exit, Fabregas told Marca: "It's a shame for him more than anyone. Diego knew that signing for Atletico meant he could not play for a few months. It has been a difficult situation for him, for Chelsea. He deserves to be on the field. Diego is always [a friend] and never a rival. In recent years there has not been a better pure No 9 than him. I understood him myself perfectly. He knew my football, he read my passes and most importantly, he got on the end of them. He gives a lot to the team."
Fabregas joined Chelsea at the same time as Costa back in the summer of 2014, and he has since helped the Blues to two Premier League titles and the League Cup. The former Arsenal man has formed a close bond with another Spaniard in Alvaro Morata this term, and their link up play was visible during the Blues' recent 2-0 win over Everton.