Diego Costa is finally joining Atletico Madrid for a fee believed to be in the region of £67m after months of negotiation.
While Chelsea will be selling a world class player with plenty goals in his bag, they are also doing away with a controversial and difficult character.
Here are eight moments Costa incured the wrath of everyone in England except probably against Chelsea fans;
1. January 2015 - Emre Can stamp
A few months in to his Chelsea career, Diego Costa stamped Liverpool midfielder Emre Can in Chelsea's League Cup semi final win over the Reds.
Costa did not see Red in the match but was eventually suspended. Photo: Mirror
The striker picked up a three-match ban for the incident after he was charged by the FA.
READ ALSO: Neymar becomes the bigger man with his latest actions in ongoing dispute with Cavani
2. September 2015 - Arsenal controversy
Costa really annoyed everyone in England against Arsenal when he appeared to slap Laurent Koscielny and later kicked Gabriel - which saw the Arsenal man sent off after he retaliated.
Costa was given another three game ban by the FA.
The Spanish striker was a thorn in the side of Arsene Wenger's side. Photo: Mirror UK
3. October 2015 - Skrtel kick
Costa's Halloween month almost went bad when he kicked Martin Skrtel but later escaped punishment.
Diego Costa clashes with Martin Skrtel. Photo: Mirror UK
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4. November 2015 - Throwing the bib
Just a month before Jose Mourinho was sacked, Costa appeared to throw his bib at his coach when he was asked to warm up during a game only to be told he would not be subsituted into the match.
Costa appeared to be throwing his bib at Jose Mourinho in November 2015
5. March 2016 - Everton red card
Costa probably thought he was Luis Suarez when during an FA Cup semi final against Everton at Goodison Park, he appeared to bite Gareth Barry during a clash of heads.
Costa appeared to bit Gareth Barry in the game but both players denied it.
The striker's two-match ban was extended to three games - and he was fined £20,000 for the incident.
6. May 2016 - Dembele gouge
Costa wasn't in instigator but he was involved as Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele was given a retrospective six-match ban for gouging the eye of the Chelsea striker during a mass brawl.
Dembele clashed with the Spanish striker during a london derby. Photo: Daily Mail
READ ALSO: Neymar vs Cavani: PSG finally reveal who will be taking the club's penalties
7. August 2016 - Challenge on West Ham's Adrian
In the first game of last season, Costa made a bad tackle on West Ham goalkeeper Adrian and he was lucky not to be shown a second yellow card.
Costa escaped red at the beginning of last season
8. Summer 2017 - Staying away from the club
After he was informed that he was no longer part of Antonio Conte's plans the striker refused to train with the club and travelled back home to Brazil to stay despite the season starting.
Costa has been living in Brazil since the season started. Photo: Splash news
The 28-year-old was trying to force a move back to Atletico Madrid, with his wish finally being granted.
On the other hand, NAIJ.com asked Nigerians to name the club they think would win the UEFA Champions League and we got some pretty interesting options;
Source: Sports.naij.com
ROSY CREST
Friday, 22 September 2017