Back in the summer, with Atletico Madrid in desperate need of adding firepower, they sensed there was an opportunity that could not be missed. Diego Costa had just endured a difficult second season with Chelsea. He looked fed up, had not settled into life in London and was exasperated with the weather. For all intents and purposes it seemed a deal was imminent that could be perfect for all parties involved.
Atleti's pursuit was a public one, much to Chelsea's annoyance. Los Rojiblancos president, Enrique Cerezo, went as far as to say: "We like him [Costa] a lot, I admit it.