Atletico Madrid director of football Jose Luis Caminero has insisted that striker Diego Costa will remain with the club.
The Brazilian was the subject of a recent €25m bid from Liverpool as the Anfield club seek alternatives should Luis Suarez quit the club, but in an interview with Mundo Deportivo former Atleti midfielder Caminero made it clear the 24-year-old was going nowhere.
“Diego Costa is a very important player for Atletico, somebody who will value greatly, and I’m convinced he’s going to score a lot more goals for us.
“He is one of the mainstays of the team in the eyes of our supporters. Diego is staying,” he declared.
Caminero says he is looking forward to seeing Diego Costa playing alongside new signing David Villa.
“They will be an ideal fit for each other together with Adrian [Lopez]. We know what Villa is about and we’re not going to find out now who is, on neither a national nor international level.
“I’m sure his goals will carry Atleti to as high a position in the table as possible and we’ve already found out about his desire and enthusiasm.”
There were also words for other new arrivals Leo Baptista and Martin Demichelis.
“Both have adapted quickly and on our tour of South America they have worked well. Demichelis has been able to get some minutes under his belt and that will prove positive.
“They are footballers who will increase competition in the squad and that can only be beneficial to the team.”
Finally, Caminero outlined the objectives for Diego Simeone’s men in La Liga this season.
“The aim is to finish at least in the top four places. Atletico must always be in these top positions.
“I believe this team is equal to or stronger than last season, although we will find that out at the end of the campaign, but I think it has all the hallmarks of one that can repeat what was achieved last term.”
