Diego Costa believes that this is his year to shine and that he is at the right club in Atletico Madrid in which to do so.
The striker spent the second half of last season out on loan at Rayo Vallecano but, after 10 goals in 16 appearances, is back with Atleti for this season.
“I need to play, I need to demonstrate what I can do. I’m young and if I am in a big team like Atletico Madrid it does not mean that I always will be,” he told GolTV today.
“It is something that does not fit in my head, I have to stay and to play. If the Coach gives me the chance then I know I can take it and this season I have a dream and I believe that this is going to be my year.
“I’m very happy here with my teammates. It took a long time but it is like my house and I’m very happy. This year should be nice for me at Atleti.”
Part of that belief comes in the attitude Coach Diego Simeone is transmitting to him.
“That is the most important thing. He is a person who is seen to be working and if he sees that you can give a lot to the team then he will play you.
“It is something that makes me calmer because I know that I have a Coach who is going to get the best out of the team.”
The Brazilian is still recovering to full fitness from a knee injury sustained over a year ago, which required a second follow-up procedure this summer.
“I’m going step by step, never taking two steps forward only to take one back. I knew from the beginning that when I got injured I would be coming back stronger.
“And God has given me things that I have to say thank you for and I have to work harder for something that others in life do not get a chance at.”