Diego Costa ready to give all for Spain

"Everything I have achieved in my life has been given to me by this country," said Club Atlético de Madrid forward Diego Costa as the 25-year-old looks to make his Spain debut against Italy.

Poised to win his first Spain cap in this week's friendly against Italy, Club Atlético de Madrid forward Diego Costa is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Marcos Senna, another Brazilian-born player who triumphed in the colours of La Roja.

First called up by coach Vicente del Bosque for the 2014 FIFA World Cup tests against Equatorial Guinea and South Africa last November, the 25-year-old Costa was later forced to pull out of the squad due to an adductor injury. Quickly returning to form following that setback, the striker has amassed an impressive tally of 27 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions for Atlético this term, leading to his reappearance among the world and European champions. 

"I'm really happy and even more so given that the game [against Italy] will be played at my home stadium [the Vicente Calderón]," Costa said. "He is playing very well and gives us another option [up front]," Del Bosque added. "He's showing the same form [as prior to that of his last call-up] and that's why he is here," the tactician added. "There have been players who weren't born in Spain who have played for us before, and there will be more in the future."

Alfredo Di Stéfano, László Kubala and Ferenc Puskás are some of the former players who have famously donned the red of Spain down through the years while midfielder Marcos Senna – who won 28 caps for his adopted country – was part of the successful UEFA EURO 2008 winning side. "I'm really happy for [Diego Costa] and hope things work out well for him and that he can achieve the success that I did with Spain," the Sao Paulo-born, former Villarreal CF favourite Senna said. "He certainly has the quality and physical attributes to do so."

Now fully settled at Atlético following a nomadic period that took in SC Braga and loan spells at FC Penafiel, RC Celta de Vigo, Albacete Balompié, Real Valladolid CF and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, Costa is now hoping to find his feet with Spain in the hope of a trip back to his native Brazil for this summer's World Cup.

"It was a difficult decision [choosing to play for Spain over Brazil] but everything I have achieved in my life has been given to me by this country," the forward explained. "Defending this jersey would be an honour for any player and if I play for five, ten or even 15 minutes, I will give my all."

Culled from UEFA