Brazil Technical Director Carlos Alberto Parreira has told reporters that Diego Costa’s Spain call-up will not affect his team’s chances of success going forward as they have the strength to deal without him in a World Cup year.
Costa courted controversy over his switch in allegiance from Brazil after gaining Spanish citizenship in 2013 but Parreira would rather concentrate on what his team has,rather than what they don’t.
“For a certain period we didn’t select him because we had to look at so many other players, but he was in our sight.”
“Then, when we decided to bring him back for the Confederations Cup, he had already made the decision as he was invited for the Spain national team.”
“He made his decision and we respect it. He’s not a Brazilian player any more, but Brazil will survive without him, don’t worry.”
Costa has been a force to be reckoned with this season for Atletico Madrid, helping them challenge for the La Liga title as they continue to progress in the Champions League.
