'I will never forget it' - Costa thanks Chelsea after sealing Atletico return

Diego Costa thanked Chelsea for three "remarkable" and unforgettable years as he bid farewell to the Premier League champions.

Costa, 28, will return to Atletico Madrid in January after his move from Chelsea was finalised on Tuesday.

Chelsea 12/5 to beat Atletico 

The Spain striker leaves Chelsea in a deal worth a reported €60 million after three campaigns, two of which ended with the league title.

Costa thanked the club on Instagram after his move to Atletico was finalised, saying he would never forget his time at Stamford Bridge.

"Some cycles begin while others end," he wrote.

"My cycle at Chelsea began three years ago – three remarkable years in all aspects – and I will never forget it. Two championship titles, a Community Shield, 120 matches, 59 goals and 24 assists later this cycle has ended.

"Not the way I would have wanted – far from it – but the best way possible.

"The wonderful fans of such equally admirable club and all team-mates, as well as all clinical, administrative and logistics staff will remain forever in my mind and in my heart.

"[I] will bring them with me with the certainty that I will always be by their side as well, and I'm sure they will understand the reason why this cycle of mine has now ended – because I could not lose faith in myself. Thank you Chelsea for everything!"

 

Há ciclos que se abrem e ciclos que se fecham. O meu ciclo no Chelsea iniciou-se há três anos, três anos marcantes em todos os aspetos, e que jamais esquecerei. Dois títulos de campeão, uma Supertaça Inglesa, 120 jogos, 59 golos e 24 assistências depois este ciclo encerra. Não da forma que desejava (longe disso), mas da forma possível. Na memória e no coração ficarão para sempre os maravilhosos adeptos de um grande clube e todos os companheiros com quem partilhei o balneário, bem como todo o staff logístico, administrativo e clínico. Levo-os comigo com a certeza de que sempre irei estar ao seu lado da mesma forma que, acredito, eles entenderão a razão pela qual este meu ciclo teve de chegar agora ao fim. Porque não podia perder a crença em mim. Obrigada por tudo Chelsea. -- Some cycles begin while others end. My cycle at Chelsea began three years ago – three remarkable years in all aspects – and I will never forget it. Two championship titles, a Community Shield, 120 matches, 59 goals and 24 assists later this cycle has ended. Not the way I would have wanted – far from it – but the best way possible. The wonderful fans of such equally admirable club and all team mates, as well as all clinical, administrative and logistics staff will remain forever in my mind and in my heart. Will bring them with me with the certainty that I will always be by their side as well, and I’m sure they will understand the reason why this cycle of mine has now ended – because I could not lose faith in myself. Thank you Chelsea for everything!

A post shared by Diego Costa (@diego.costa) on Sep 26, 2017 at 2:15pm PDT

Costa netted 20 league goals in 2014-15 and 2016-17 to lead Chelsea to title success, but he fell out with head coach Antonio Conte this past off-season.