Atlético Madrid striker Diego Costa has decided to play for adopted country Spain and not his home nation of Brazil, ending a tug-of-war between the two countries over the player.
Costa's international future has been the subject of much speculation, with both Brazil and Spain declaring their intention to select the 25-year-old, who qualifies for both teams via dual-nationality.
But Costa ended the speculation on Tuesday after signing paperwork in the presence of legal council, declaring his intention to switch his allegiance to the world and European champions.
A statement on the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) website read: "Brazilian-Hispanic player Diego Da Silva Costa "Diego Costa" has signed a latter manifesting his intention to play for the Spanish football team.
"In the letter addressed to Mr Julio Cesar Avelleda, secretary general of the CBF, the striker communicates his desire to be at the disposal of Spanish national coach Vicente del Bosque as of this moment.
"Diego Costa can play with Spain, in the next match of the month of November, if selected by the national coach."
However, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) are expected to appeal against Costa's decision given that he has already represented Brazil in two friendlies against Italy and Russia earlier in 2013.
Following the news, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed Costa's withdrawal from the Brazil squad for the November friendlies.
Scolari had selected Costa for their friendlies with Honduras and Chile next month, but his approach has been officially rejected.
"A Brazilian player who refuses to wear the shirt of the Brazilian national team and compete in a World Cup in your country is automatically withdrawn," Scolari said in a statement posted on the CBF website.
"He is turning his back on a dream of millions, to represent our national team, the five-time champions in a World Cup in Brazil."
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| Diego Costa is currently the top scorer in La Liga with 11 goals from 10 matches Photo: Reuters |
Costa's international future has been the subject of much speculation, with both Brazil and Spain declaring their intention to select the 25-year-old, who qualifies for both teams via dual-nationality.
But Costa ended the speculation on Tuesday after signing paperwork in the presence of legal council, declaring his intention to switch his allegiance to the world and European champions.
A statement on the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) website read: "Brazilian-Hispanic player Diego Da Silva Costa "Diego Costa" has signed a latter manifesting his intention to play for the Spanish football team.
"In the letter addressed to Mr Julio Cesar Avelleda, secretary general of the CBF, the striker communicates his desire to be at the disposal of Spanish national coach Vicente del Bosque as of this moment.
"Diego Costa can play with Spain, in the next match of the month of November, if selected by the national coach."
However, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) are expected to appeal against Costa's decision given that he has already represented Brazil in two friendlies against Italy and Russia earlier in 2013.
Following the news, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed Costa's withdrawal from the Brazil squad for the November friendlies.
Scolari had selected Costa for their friendlies with Honduras and Chile next month, but his approach has been officially rejected.
"A Brazilian player who refuses to wear the shirt of the Brazilian national team and compete in a World Cup in your country is automatically withdrawn," Scolari said in a statement posted on the CBF website.
"He is turning his back on a dream of millions, to represent our national team, the five-time champions in a World Cup in Brazil."
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