Source:REUTERS/Diego Vara
[Saba Sports News] Former La Liga club Atlético Madrid star Diego Costa recently appeared on a talk show, where he admitted that since leaving Grêmio he has been effectively a free agent. Costa said that although several clubs had thrown him offers and people around him were looking for suitable opportunities, he has completely lost the motivation to continue playing. For him, it’s better to face his inner choice frankly rather than push himself to sign a contract just to play. Rather than the pitch, he now prefers to spend time with his family, return to a familiar city to accompany his children’s growth, and enjoy a stable life like that of ordinary people. As he grows older and his mindset changes, Costa has gradually faded from the mainstream scene and has been in a long period of free agency. This time’s retirement announcement is not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a well-thought-out one. He didn’t wait to be dropped by a club, nor did he wait for his form to deteriorate beyond foothold; instead, he chose to walk away at a suitable time. This clarity and decisiveness is in line with his long-standing habit of taking responsibility.
I believe Costa’s retirement also signals that a traditional hard-forward striker style in football is gradually becoming a memory. His departure leaves many fans reflecting on youth passing. Although we won’t see his iconic playing style on the pitch again, those thrilling matches, crucial goals, and distinctive personality will remain in fans’ memories.