Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone stated that his side needed someone with Diego Costa’s rage on the pitch.
The Brazilian born striker was the difference between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal as his decisive goal put the La Liga giants into the final of the Europa League. The first leg of the semi-final ended 1-1 at the Emirates when Atletico Madrid were reduced to 10 men for majority of the game when a late Antoine Griezmann late finish gave the visitors a vital away goal after his French compatriot Alexandre Lacazette put the Gunners ahead after the break.
Diego Costa was unavailable for the clash in London, but the ex-Chelsea forward returned to haunt the Gunners faithful in Spain as he dumped the Gunners out of the competition in Arsene Wenger’s final game in Europe with Arsenal. And the Spaniard received massive praise for the attitude he showed from his boss, who was in the stands after given a touchline ban.
Costa Came Back For This- Simeone
The Argentine manager, who knew the 29-year-old forward well before he rejoined his side back in January stated in a presser that his star attacker thrives on games like these, “Costa came for this, to be important for the team in games like this The team needed a forward with his rage, his intensity, the mistakes he provokes in opponents. Along with the other forwards we have, that was very important.”
Costa was rejected at Chelsea and given the cold shoulder by manager Antonio Conte as he was in exile for most of this season. But with Atleti serving a transfer ban, they had to wait till the winter transfer window to bring Costa back to Atletico Madrid.
The Rojiblancos will face Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille in the Europa League final on 16th May.
Author’s Take-
Costa seems to be at home under Simeone as the two have a great relationship and can understand each other’s personalities. The two are a great fit with the rest of the Atletico Madrid team and now look favorites to lift the Europa League final.
