Diego Costa has revealed the reasons behind his decision to pick the Spanish national team over Brazil.
Having been born in the South American country, and having played in two friendlies for the Selecao in the past, it was expected that the Atletico Madrid striker would go to the World Cup with his birth nation.
However, the forward has opted instead to represent La Roja, and is likely to play his first game tomorrow evening when they take on Italy at Vicente Calderon.
“I never imagined [all the fuss],” he told Canal +. “When I realised there was interest from Spain I started to imagine things, and thought 'why not?'.
“It is a privilege that the world champions want you to play for them, especially given the quality of players they have.
“I felt very important. I value it a lot. Vicente del Bosque showed me the person that he is. I like to talk with people face-to-face, I feel the truth and lies, and Vicente was very clear.
“He didn't promise me anything. I don't like it when people promise me things, I like to earn it. This I value.
“Dani Alves never tried to convince me. Not him, not anyone in Brazil. The call up by Brazil was a dream, it was a unique moment.
“Scolari called me up because he thought I was a useful player, not to stop me playing for Spain.”
The 25-year-old then commented on his bad-boy reputation, and relationship with Sergio Ramos.
“If people got to know me they'd change their mind. I'm shy, and I'm always a bit ashamed when I do interviews.
“I'm in my world, as you might say, because that way I do the things I like and don't offend anyone.
“I get on with Sergio, we are the same type of person. We fight, we battle, and when the final whistle goes, that's that.
“I'm looking forward to putting on the Spain shirt and giving my all for it. When I do so I will think in my family and everyone who has supported me.
“Everything I have is through hard work and fighting, and if I have it it's because I deserve it.”
