Atletico President Speaks on Diego Costa and Radamel Falcao Transfers, Striker Was in Madrid on Medical

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid on numerous occasions this season. Various reports claimed that Atletico made an approach to sign the player in the January transfer window, and speculations surfaced again following the transfer of Jackson Martinez from Atletico to Chinese Super League club.

Reports suggested that Atletico will use the money from Martinez’s sale to fund a move for Costa.

However, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has revealed that the La Liga club have never approached Chelsea in an attempt to sign Costa, and a deal in the near future looks unlikely.

Asked by Cadena Ser whether Atletico tried to sign him during the January, Cerezo said: “No, I spoke with Diego Costa occasionally but never about him coming back here because I think he has a long contract at Chelsea.”

When asked if the Spain international has expressed a desire to return to the La Liga club, he said: “Well, you know how players are. They always [say these things] in a loving way… But every player says that.”

Asked whether there were any discussions with the Blues over a possible January deal, he said: “No, no. Not at all.

“Moreover, I tell you one thing: He has a contract [at Chelsea], and he is now scoring goals there. It’s a very hypothetical thing that Diego could return to play in Atletico Madrid.”

“In summer, we will see what happens because we have a little issue with the Fifa [transfer ban].”

He also dismissed the reports which claimed Radamel Falcao was in Madrid for a medical ahead of a move to Atletico on the transfer deadline day.

Various reports have suggested that the Colombian failed a medical ahead of the deadline day move.

“I don’t know if Falcao has been in Madrid. It’s a while since I spoke to him. He hasn’t been with us,” Cerezo told El Laguero.