MADRID, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Spain international striker Diego Costa confirmed on Monday that he intends to join English Premier League outfit Chelsea for the coming season.
In an interview with 'Goal.com' given while with the Spain national team in Brazil, the Atletico Madrid forward admitted he was looking to link up with the London based club, who are reported to be willing to pay his buyout clause.
"Why would I have chosen to play for Chelsea?" he asked, before confirming that the deal was close to a conclusion.
"It is something that is about to happen. Things are going in a direction and, if they keep going as they are going, it is the team I will play for in the next season," he said.
Costa said it had long been ambition to play in England. "'I' ve wanted to play in the Premier League for a while. Chelsea are one of the greatest clubs in the world so there are many factors that make you take a decision like this," he said.
The striker won the Spanish BBVA Primera Liga with Atletico Madrid this season, scoring 25 league goals in the process, but will join a Chelsea side that disappointed slightly and which was well-beaten by Atletico in the semi-finals on the Champions League.
"Every year is a different story, nothing is easy in life. I will have to work a lot to fit in with the style of the Premier League," he said.
One problem Costa could face is that he is a controversial player known for provoking his rivals, while going to ground after only slight contact - something that is not well looked on in England and Costa' s reputation could earn him a hostile reception in rival grounds.
"In Spain it happens to me in every stadium I play so I'm used to it. When you are on the pitch you don't think about those things," assured the forward.
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