Juan Mata believes Diego Costa will do well at Chelsea amid reports the Spain striker is to leave Atletico Madrid for the Premier League.
Mata spent two-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge prior to a January transfer to Manchester United and said at a Press conference that English football will suit Costa’s style.
“I don’t know if his move to Chelsea is confirmed. I wish him well,” Mata said, according to AS.
“He is a striker who will do well in England. He’s powerful and strong. That kind of forward usually succeeds.”
Mata was speaking ahead of Spain’s final World Cup warm-up game, against El Salvador on June 7. He added he expects the Central Americans to provide competitive opposition.
“I’m sure El Salvador will play the game as if it was a final,” Mata said.
“We’ll seek to meet our objectives and continue to prepare for the World Cup. It will be very good to continue getting up to speed.
“The objective is to be ready to play the Netherlands and we go into it with that philosophy.”
Mata went on to speak of his pleasure at being part of an historic generation of players for La Roja.
“I am very proud to be living in the greatest moment in the history of the national team,” he revealed.
“We have five finals and can hopefully keep making history.
“We come to try and win the World Cup for our country. Making history isn’t our primary aim.”
Mata was recently named in an internet poll as part of a fans’ dream XI for the World Cup. He admitted he was flattered but stressed he was more concerned about being in Vicente Del Bosque’s starting XI.
“I wish I could be in the World Cup final XI now,” Mata continued.
“Social networks are important and a way to get in touch with the fans but I prefer to focus more on the competition in the team.”
