Diego Costa has said he is happy his Spain debut could come at his home ground, Atletico Madrid’s Vicente Calderon.
Costa, born in Brazil, is in line to make his first appearance for La Roja after choosing to represent his adopted nation and not the country of his birth.
AS quotes an interview Costa gave to the official website of the Spain national team in which he admits that while the players in the squad have been very welcoming, he is happy to see some familiar faces.
“Being with this team is like something from another world,” Costa said.
“The players are very quiet, very humble and have treated me very well. They’re very special.
“They’re very good in training, the little training we’ve done, but I can see the quality in the team.
“I was a little wary at how I might be greeted and in truth I’m surprised that there’s no differences between anyone here, it’s a close knit group.
“But Koke and Juanfran have been here before and when I’m in doubt about anything, I ask them.”
Costa added that he has liked what he’s seen so far of the Coach, Vicente Del Bosque.
“I had a good impression of the Coach from the first time I was with him. It’s no different now and he’s very relaxed.
“I’m very happy to be debuting at the Calderon, which is my home.
“Playing against Italy is always a great motivation. I’ll try to be myself and play with confidence and desire that I always have.
“If I’m here it’s because of what I’m doing with Atletico and I want to do the same or more, to be important and useful for the team.
“I want to prove my worth for all that was said and what’s happened in recent months. I have an overwhelming desire for this match.”
Costa’s presence in the squad for a game only a few months before the World Cup suggests he is a strong contender for the tournament, but Costa isn’t taking anything for granted.
“There are many things that can happen in these two months [before the World Cup squad is announced].
“I’ll try to do my job and hopefully I can be part of it.”
