Former Barcelona defender Edmilson has said Diego Costa’s decision to pick Spain over Brazil was the right one.
Edmilson added that Brazil have better options that Costa anyone, ones that are already in tune with the set-up of the World Cup hosts, AS has reported.
“He's having a great season with Atletico Madrid,” Edmilson said of Costa.
“In Brazil he wasn't that well-known, and all his success has come whilst he has been in Spain. I think the decision he took was the right one.
“He earned his name in Spain, knows more people, his children are growing up there.
“The moment wasn't right for Diego Costa. If this has happened 18 months ago, the picking of a player who isn't too well known in Brazil, it would have been strange.
“We've got Fred, Luis Fabiano, Jo and Alan Kardec, who play for teams with 40m fans, 70m in Corinthians' case, where [Alexandre] Pato plays.
“So, to pick a player who people don't know would be premature.
“It's not about Diego Costa's quality, it's about the right moment. There are players who are more prepared and integrated right now with the Selecao.”
Edmilson added that it wasn’t a mistake on the Brazil federation’s part to let a player of Costa’s quality get away.
“He's a player who wants to wear a different shirt,” Edmilson continued.
“I think we've got players who are more ready than Diego right now. We have better players than him.
“There are players in Brazil who can cover his absence. The decision when a World Cup is approaching is always difficult. But for me it’s clear.”
Edmilson was speaking while in Madrid and was asked for his thoughts on Spain’s chances of winning consecutive World Cups.
“They've changed a lot of players since the last World Cup,” he noted.
“You could see that in the Confederations Cup.
“After winning titles you have to work harder. I think Spain will arrive in good condition.
“For me their main rivals are Argentina and Germany. I don't like to talk about Brazil as favourites because it always ends badly.”
