Cesc Fabregas has lamented Chelsea’s decision to sell Diego Costa, believing the Blues outcast has been the world’s best No.9 in recent years.
Chelsea have agreed an initial £57million deal to allow the 28-year-old to re-join Atletico Madrid in January.
Costa hasn’t featured for the Blues this season, having been told in June by Antonio Conte that he had no future at the club - despite his 20 goals proving crucial in last year’s Premier League success.
The striker has remained in his Brazilian hometown of Lagarto throughout the summer, before heading to Madrid last week following the announcement of an agreement between the two clubs.
Fabregas, who will continue as an international teammate of Costa, says he will miss the relationship the two have fostered at club level.
"Clearly I would have preferred for him to continue as a teammate,” said Fabregas, speaking to Marca. "Diego will never be a rival to me.
"In recent years there has not been a pure striker better than him; he understood my game, read my passes and most importantly he could score from them.
“He gives a lot to the dressing room. He is not only the Diego that is seen on the field. He is a character that greatly encourages the group.”
Costa’s return to Atletico means he cannot play until January, due to the Spanish side’s transfer ban.
That means he can only watch on as Atleti continue their pursuit atop La Liga, as well as their Champions League push - with Los Rojiblancos facing Chelsea on Wednesday night.
“It's a shame for him more than anyone,” said Fabregas. “Diego knew that by signing for Atletico he could not play for a few months.
“It has been a difficult situation for him, for Chelsea. It has been wrong."
Source: The Mirror.
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