Diego Costa’s incredible transformation from Chelsea exile to the return of beast ready to star for Atletico Madrid
Return in January will come at perfect time with Rojiblancos cutting gap to leaders Barcelona to just six points
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DIEGO COSTA has shown off his incredible transformation as he prepares to make his Atletico Madrid return.
And it could be coming at the perfect time.
Costa, 28, was frequently accused of being overweight during his time at Chelsea — particularly towards the end.
After being told he was no longer wanted by the club, he was pictured in Brazil looking extremely unfit, and his return to the Spanish capital in doubt.
However, a video of him on an exercise bike showed him toned and muscly. And ready for action.
He completed his £67million return to Atletico in late September, but was not eligible for action until January 1, when the winter transfer window opens.
Costa's debut will likely come against Getafe on January 7.
Despite being the Blues' top goal scorer for each of the past three season — netting a personal high of 22 in all competitions last season under Antonio Conte — he was told he was surplus to requirements.
FIGHTING FIT Fiery Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa works up a sweat boxing
The divorce was understood to have been extremely acrimonious with the former Juventus manager tell his No 19 he was no longer needed via a text message.
While his attitude and flirts with big-money moves to China were among the issues believed to have made Conte's mind up to look elsewhere, fitness was another problem.
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Costa returned from pre-season in the summer of 2015 far too overweight and struggled with the same problem in parts for last season.
But he looks determined to make up for lost time at Atletico.
With Alvaro Morata shining at Chelsea and the likes of Iago Aspas and Mariano making their clains. Costa's place in Spain's World Cup squad is far from secure.
A good second half of the season with the Rojiblancos will be required if he is to ensure a place on that flight to Russia.
And his return could be coming at the perfect time with Atletico picking up form and slowly emerging as Barcelona's biggest challengers for the La Liga title.
Antoine Greizmann's late winner cut the gap to just six points with the leaders slipping up at home to Celta Vigo at the weekend.
As well as Costa, Diego Simeone will be welcoming Vitolo, who will seriously bolster Atletico's frontline.