Wednesday, 9th October, 2013

Diego Costa may have been given an unofficial permission by the Brazil football federation to switch allegiance, but the striker insists there is no official commitment towards Spain yet.

Spain's own federation have already sent out an invite to Brazil-born Costa, who also has two Brazil caps to his name but holds dual citizenship.

 


The forward has always wanted to represent Spain, having never played professional domestic football in Brazil, but is not part of the squad for the remaining World Cup qualifiers.

Only an objection from the CBF was initially preventing the allegiance switch, though that was recently thought to have been brought down.

relatedNewsStory

Costa, who has been playing for Atletico Madrid since 2010, told Cadena SER: "I have promised nothing and we have not committed to anything either.

"[Spain coach Vicente del Bosque and I] spoke about the bureaucratic issues that are still pending.

"To make a decision like this you have to be certain that they will have you. Spain is the best in the world and has many champions there.

"One person cannot change the group; the team is a family. I want people to agree with my arrival. I do not want to create problems."

CBF vice-president Marco Polo del Nero was last week quoted to have effectively allowed Costa the switch.

"If a player wants to play with us or with them [in Spain], then the CBF is not in any position to say no," Del Nero explained.

What are the tipsters over at Inside Bet tipping? Check out the latest tips, free bets and previews.