On Saturday, Brazilian Serie A leaders Botafogo secured a major signing: former Premier League, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa. Coming into a team affected by an injury crisis, this transfer comes just in the nick of time. Tiquinho Soares, player of the month for three consecutive times since the tournament started in April, sustained a knee ligament injury following their 0-0 draw at Cruzeiro last weekend.
The 34-year-old Costa was a free agent after leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this year. He will now be signing a four-month deal with Botafogo – who are leading the Brazilian league with 14 wins in 18 games and building a 12-point lead atop the table. The club is also bidding for their second Copa Sudamericana title and they will face Argentina’s Defensa y Justicia in the quarter-finals.
Following the news of his transfer, Costa expressed his joy in joining the team and said “I’m very happy to have been chosen to be part of the family. Thanks and I see you soon.” With this big signing, Botafogo are looking to make the most of the situation and increase their chances of bagging yet another title.
Diego Costa, a 34-year-old former Premier League striker, will join the Brazilian football team Botafogo on a three year contract.
The experienced forward has impressive credentials: during his times with Chelsea (2014 – 2017) and Atletico Madrid (in two spells) he scored a combined 142 goals, and racked up several major trophies, including two Premier League titles and two La Liga titles.
Costa is reported to be heading to Rio de Janeiro in the coming days to link up with his former coach from English side Wolverhampton, Bruno Lage.
Botafogo commented that the arrival of Costa “will contribute to the quality of [the] squad and build on its strength and experience”. The club is looking to recover from a disappointing season last year when they finished ninth in the league.
Fans hope that Costa’s expertise can help bring the team back to success.