Diego Costa has admitted he was worried his World Cup was over when he went off injured in the Champions League final.
Costa was included in Spain’s 23-man squad for the tournament despite having to be withdrawn after less than 10 minutes of the defeat to Real Madrid with a hamstring problem.
He was later advised to rest for 15 days, threatening his involvement in Spain’s opening Group B game against the Netherlands on June 13.
“It was in my head that I might not get to the World Cup,” AS reports Costa as saying.
“I was afraid it could be something [more serious].
“I appreciate the confidence the Coach has shown in me and I hope to give him back the trust he has given me.
“I want to try and somehow be worthwhile.”
Costa added that he now feels his injury is almost completely repaired and he is looking forward to being able to train again.
“I think I’m fine. I tried the week after the Champions League but had almost no time to recover,” he revealed.
“Now I want to train because I’ve had a few weeks without doing anything. All that matters is to train a little.
“Can I get to the first World Cup match? Sure, why not?
“After the Champions League final they wanted to do a test and I came out of it very well because there wasn’t anything that could move me away from the World Cup.
“I always look forward to the end of the season but now, even more so.”
Costa went on to say that he hopes the World Cup can go as well for him personally as the season did at club level.
“I have to talk to the doctors but I think I can play [in the June 7 friendly against El Salvador],” he continued.
“I’m very happy. It’s a special thing for me to live through something like this.
“Hopefully I can do as well as I did this season.”
