Wednesday, 30th October, 2013
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has accused Diego Costa of "turning his back" on his native country after the striker switched national allegiances to Spain.
Costa and the Spanish federation (RFEF) confirmed the switch in a statement yesterday, with the Atletico Madrid forward at last signing on the dotted line.
The letter stating Costa's intention was sent to Julio Cesar Avelleda, General Secretary of the Brazil football federation (CBF), who have, in turn, confirmed receipt of the same.
Scolari had been aiming to call Costa up for two friendlies in November but Spain will now have that privilege.
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In a statement, Scolari said: "A Brazilian player who refuses to wear the shirt of the Brazilian national team and compete in a World Cup in his country can only be automatically excluded.
"He is turning his back on a dream shared by millions to represent our national team, the five-time champions, in a World Cup in Brazil."
Costa had made two friendly appearances for Brazil earlier this year, but will now be available for selection to Spain coach Vicente del Bosque.
La Roja will be eager to utilise his talents, given that Costa has already netted 11 times in 10 La Liga games for Ateltico Madrid and scored a brace on his Champions League debut against Austria Vienna.
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