Diego Costa: Wolves announce signing of ‘incredibly motivated’ former Chelsea striker, who explains decision
Wolves have announced the signing of former Chelsea striker Diego Costa on a free transfer, with his contract lasting until the end of the season.
After summer signing Sasa Kalajdzic recently suffered a serious injury, Wolves quickly turned to Diego Costa as a potential replacement. Available as a free agent, they have been able to sign him outside the transfer window.
There were some concerns as to whether they would be able to complete the deal due to complications about a work permit. But, although the deal is still subject to international clearance, they have now been able to announce Costa’s signing.
The Brazil-born former Spain international has signed a contract until June 2023. It will, of course, represent his second spell in the Premier League after his previous 52 goals in 89 top-flight games for Chelsea.
Explaining his decision to return to English football with Wolves, Costa told the club website: “It’s a first-class club with very good players who know how to play football and having the chance to play in the Premier League again was the main thing.
“Obviously, the club influenced my decision, especially knowing I will be able to adapt a lot more easily here not only from a technical point of view, the quality of the players but also from the fact that a lot of the players are Portuguese and that will make my transition that much smoother.
“It wasn’t in the best terms possible on accounts of a player’s injury which, unfortunately, I can only wish him nothing but the best for him.
“But when he [Bruno Lage] told me about returning to the Premier League since this a championship I have related to quite a bit, always liked it and followed. No matter how much I enjoyed playing in Madrid, I felt discouraged, but this motivated me. It lit that fire within me.”
Diego Costa already in contact with Bruno Lage
Costa, whose medical was on Thursday, predicts it could take two or three weeks for him to get back to full fitness. He has been out of action since leaving Atletico Mineiro in January.
When he is ready, the striker has vowed to bring “dedication, willingness, discipline and goals”.
If all goes to plan, that should be beneficial for Wolves. After all, they were the lowest scorers outside the relegation zone in last season’s Premier League.
Indeed, it’s suggested that Costa will challenge the notion that the perfect transfer doesn’t exist.
Costa confirmed he has already spoken with head coach Bruno Lage. The 33-year-old elaborated: “We did speak. We didn’t really go into the personal side of things or speak about family – we talked about football.
“I explained how I felt because I am incredibly motivated and ready to play again. I know that I can help. But I also explained my current situation which means that I need my own time.
“I asked him not to rush me into things in the sense of planning things that don’t always go to plan because that will mean I won’t be able to help the way I want to. He was very understanding – he is a great manager and someone who has been doing a great job.
“He spoke with some of my former colleagues, but he was very serene, which is very important for a player.”
Costa will wear the number 29 shirt for his new club.
READ MORE: Man Utd eye swoop for Wolves chief to solve familiar problem; Chelsea also in pursuit