Back to the Chelsea Newsfeed

Diego Costa 'asks to leave Atletico Madrid in January as club snub option of contract extension' – making ex-Chelsea striker unlikely to face his former club in the Champions League

Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa has asked to leave LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window, according to reports.

The 32-year-old has made just three brief substitute appearances for Atletico in more than three months after club record signing Joao Felix and new arrival Luis Suarez established themselves ahead of him in boss Diego Simeone's plans.

Costa has been hampered by injuries and scored only once since the first day of the season, missing six league matches through injury and Atletico's entire Champions League game so far.