• Premier League

Costa was 'close' to joining Liverpool

ESPN staff
September 11, 2013
Diego Costa has ruled out a January move to Liverpool © Getty Images
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Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has revealed he was close to joining Liverpool in the summer, but opted to continue his development in Spain.

Liverpool were keen to sign Costa but were unsuccessful in their attempts to lure the 24-year-old, who insists he was eager to repay Atletico's faith in him during his two spells in Madrid.

And Costa has ruled out a January move to Anfield as he looks to continue his growth under Diego Simeone.

"I was close to leaving, Liverpool are a great team," he said.

"But after fighting so hard and overcoming difficulties to get my place at Atletico, how could I leave? I thought that it was very important for me to continue growing in this club and to play here for many years."

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