Chelsea Transfer News: Diego Costa Discusses Atletico Madrid, Latest Rumours

Diego Costa has admitted he misses life at his former club Atletico Madrid but insists he is happy to remain at Chelsea. 

Costa, 27, enjoyed his time at Atletico where he scored 43 goals before making a £32 million switch to Stamford Bridge in 2014.

The striker is currently on international duty with Spain, preparing for their World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania. He was asked by local media whether he misses playing for Diego Simeone's side.

Per Liam Twomey of ESPN FC, Costa said:

"

A little. I like Madrid a lot, have had some very happy moments here. But I'm very happy in London. I always follow Atletico and watch what they're doing. They're doing really well and I am so happy for them. Atletico have been at this level for a few years - battling for every trophy and beating the best sides. I'm not surprised because they're a top side and they deserve it.

"

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Costa has started the new Premier League season in fine fashion, scoring six times in the opening seven games and heading the league's goalscoring charts.

Atletico have previously made attempts to re-sign the Brazilian-born frontman, but the club had to concede defeat in July this year, as Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard reported.

At the time, the Atletico president Enrique Cerezo spoke of his admiration for the player, saying: "Diego is a great player, who is very much loved, but he is a Chelsea player. 

"The issue is as it was six months ago or even a year ago, he is a Chelsea player. I've always said that Costa is a Chelsea player and has a contract with Chelsea. That's the end of this issue."

LINDSEY PARNABY/Getty Images

Indeed, Costa has made no secret in the past of his desire to rejoin Atletico. In August he told television network Movistar a deal failed to materialise.

As reported by Mark Brus for Metro, the striker commented:

"

Everybody knows there was a possibility of going back to Atletico but it didn’t happen because of a few details. I thank the fans and Cholo (Simeone) for his faith. Now I’m at Chelsea, I’m happy there and I’ve started the season with them. I hope Atletico do well this season like last year and win titles. I wanted to go back, I won’t lie about it.

"

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will be glad to hear of Costa's happiness at the club.

The striker endured an unhappy season under Jose Mourinho last time out, netting just four goals.

Costa's aggressive tendencies have not been so subtle as to escape the referee's notice as he has already picked up four bookings. But his famed combative approach has so far also been aligned with a renewed focus as he appears to be relishing being the team's main man again.

His improved performances this season could also be put down to some healthy competition.

Chelsea signed Michy Batshuayi for £33 million in the summer but such has been Costa's free-scoring form, the highly rated Belgium forward has barely had a look in.

Conte's side have begun the new season in reasonable shape, and Costa's strength and determination in attack will be crucial once the domestic campaign restarts after the international break.