Diego Costa considering a change of country

When FIFA introduced their rules allowing players to switch allegiance at international level, it’s unlikely they had in mind a 24-year-old who earlier this year played two international friendly matches for his native country.

But, Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has admitted he could switch allegiance and play for Spain instead of his native Brazil.

The forward is in the form of his life and has hit seven goals in six Liga games for Atletic this season, but was left out of the Confederations Cup by Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari in the summer and excluded again from the Selecao squad for the forthcoming friendlies against South Korea and Zambia.

Costa has appeared just twice for his country (in friendlies against Italy and Russia back in March) and having recently received Spanish citizenship, would be eligible to turn out for La Roja.

Coach Vicente del Bosque appears unconvinced by his side’s striking options, and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have contacted FIFA to negotiate a possible switch.

“If Del Bosque calls me up, how could I say no?” Costa told Brazilian site Lance! “I am going to choose the national team with which I feel most comfortable, I am not going to be false. I am relaxed and if the offer comes one day, then I will think about it.”

And he added: “It would be an honour if Spain looked at me, but I am not thinking about that – I am only focused on the derby on Saturday [against Real Madrid].”