Diego Costa has been hailed as one of the ‘top three strikers in the world’ by soon-to-be Atletico Madrid teammate Filipe Luis.
The Spain international is set to secure a return to Atletico after Chelsea agreed terms to the sell the striker who had been at the club since 2014.
The move, which will be completed in January, is subject to the agreement of personal terms and a medical.
Costa helped Chelsea win the Premier League and reach the FA Cup final last season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions, but fell out of favour with manager Antonio Conte.
The Italian boss informed Costa via text message that he would be moving on and the Brazilian-born attacker is finally set to seal his desired move to Atletico.
Costa’s former teammate, Luis, says he is ‘delighted’ the 28-year-old is joining the La Liga club after being approached with ‘thousands’ of offers.
‘I’m delighted that my friend is coming here,’ Brazil and Atletico defender Luis said.
‘It was a tremendous effort by this club to bring back one of the top three strikers in the world and he will immediately improve us.
‘He has always made history no matter what side he is in and he will work hard, fight and benefit us.
‘He had a thousand offers but chose to come to Atletico – a club that has not stopped growing – I have no doubt he is going to be great.’
Despite being frozen out by the manager, Costa insists he is not upset with anybody at Chelsea and reiterated his affection for the club’s fans.
‘There’s nothing of the sort there, I’m not upset with anybody, I have no bitterness towards anyone. Everything is cool,’ Costa told Splash News.
‘Everybody knows how much I love the fans.’
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