TheCable

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the termination of Diego Costa’s contract after the club and the player reached an agreement.

In a statement on its website on Tuesday, the club said the development comes after the Spain international earlier requested to leave for personal reasons.

The former Chelsea striker’s contract with the La Liga side was scheduled to end officially in June 2021.

But the 32-year-old had demanded the termination of the contract. With the development, Costa will now be able to join a new club on a free transfer in the January transfer window.

“Atlético de Madrid and Diego Costa have reached an agreement for the termination of the striker’s contract, which was to end on June 30, 2021,” the statement read.

Agreement with @diegocosta for the termination of his contract.
The club wishes the striker the best of luck in the next stage of his professional career.

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 29, 2020

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“The striker asked to leave the club for personal reasons a few days ago and on Tuesday signed the termination of his contract.

“Since he arrived at our club in 2006 at age just 17, the forward played 215 official matches in two stages, scoring 83 goals and providing 36 assists.”

It added that “during his time at Atlético de Madrid, he won one LaLiga title (2013-14), one Copa del Rey (2013), one Europa League (2018) and two UEFA Super Cups (2010 and 2018).”

The club thanked the striker for his contributions during his stay while wishing him well in his career.

Costa first played for Atletico in 2006 at 17. During his time with the club — between 2010 and 2014 — he scored 43 goals in 94 appearances.

The Spanish player, thereafter, re-joined the club from Chelsea in January 2018 after spending three-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge.