Costa: I almost joined Liverpool before Chelsea

The Blues striker says he came close to leaving Atletico Madrid for the Reds in 2013, after Brendan Rodgers' side tabled a €29 million bid before eventually signing a new contract
Diego Costa has revealed that he almost joined Liverpool a year before signing for Chelsea.

The Brazil-born Spain international signed for the Blues from Atletico Madrid in a €40 million summer deal and has gone on to score 17 goals in 21 Premier League appearances.

The striker was banned earlier this season after stamping on Emre Can during the Blues’ League Cup victory over Brendan Rodgers’ side, and subsequently missed clashes against Manchester City, Aston Villa and Everton.

However, he has admitted that he could have been lining up alongside Can rather than clashing with him, with Liverpool activating the €29m release clause in his contract in 2013.

"I was close to leaving Atletico," Costa is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.

"Liverpool are a great team, but after fighting so hard and overcoming difficulties to get my place at Atletico, how could I leave?

"I thought it was very important to keep growing with Atletico and to play there for many years."

Costa eventually signed a new contract at Atletico and went on to score 27 league goals as the club beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the La Liga title before sealing his move to Stamford Bridge