By David Awopetu
Atletico Madrid have reached a mutual agreement with Diego Costa to terminate the Spain international striker’s stay at the club.
The former Chelsea forward’s deal with the La Liga giants was set to expire in June 2021 but he has asked the club to end his stay prematurely due to personal reasons.
It means the 32-year-old will now be able to join a new club on a free transfer in the January transfer window.
He has made only three appearances, all as a substitute, since mid-October.
“The striker asked to leave the club for personal reasons a few days ago and on Tuesday signed the termination of his contract,” said Atletico.
“The club thanks Diego Costa for his dedication during these years and wishes him well in the next stage of his professional career.”
Luis Suarez and Joao Felix have been preferred to Costa up front this season.
Arsenal and Wolves have been linked with moves for Costa, who won two Premier League titles during his three-season stint with Chelsea.
Costa scored 59 goals in 120 games for Chelsea, but his spell ended in acrimony after then manager Antonio Conte told him via text message that he was not part of his plans for the following season.
Costa refused to return to Chelsea from his home in Brazil after being told to train with the reserves.
In September 2017, he was sold to Atletico, the club where he made his name as La Liga’s top scorer in their 2013-14 title win.
Atletico are top of La Liga, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference with two games in hand.
