Diego da Silva Costa will be experiencing a World Cup in his mother nation but with a foreign team. Born in Lagarto, Brazil to Brazilian parents and grandparents, Costa moved away from Brazil at age 18 to play for Portuguese side, Braga. One year later, Costa signed with his current squad, Atlético Madrid. Flash-forward six years to September 2013, Atlético Madrid helped Diego obtain Spanish citizenship.
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| A new kid in red |
This fulfills one of FIFA's requirements for national team
eligibility: "He has lived continuously for at least five years after reaching the age of 18 on the territory of the relevant Association." So, because Costa has lived in Spain for the last six years, has acquired Spanish citizenship, and has never been selected by the Brazilian national squad for a competitive match, he is allowed to play with La Roja.
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| Costa was featured on the Brazilian team in two friendlies |
Diego might need to borrow Cesc Fàbregas'
Beats headphones this summer because boos and whistles will surely follow him everywhere he goes in Brazil. Whether on the ball or on the bench, the Brazilian fans will treat Costa like nothing less than Judas. Brazil's head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has
said, “He’s turning his back on something millions dream of doing: playing for the five-time world champions at a World Cup in Brazil.”
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| An invisible asterisk |
The most unfortunate thing for Diego Costa is that some will undermine any contribution he has for Spain. If Diego Costa helps La Roja win this World Cup, there would always be those who saw an asterisk on the star over the crest. Faced with a very unique decision, Costa has taken a gamble with the reining world champions. Let's hope it pays off how he imagined.
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