Unemployed ex-Chelsea striker Diego Costa, 35, set for return to football after finishing four-month Botafogo spell
AFTER finishing his four-month spell at Botafogo Diego Costa is lined up to join Brazil giants Palmeiras.
The 35-year-old is a free agent after not having renewed his contract with the Serie A side and is already looking for his next adventure.
The former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid forward is coming to the end of his glittering career.
After his impact at Wolves last season he jetted back to his native country in Brazil to spend his final playing time on home soil.
And transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano said Costa could be heading 1,400 miles North-East from Botafogo to last terms Brazil Serie A champions Palmerias.
He tweeted: “Diego Costa could return to Brazil once again as his camp has been in direct contact with Palmeiras in the recent days.
“Discussions taking place for former Chelsea and Atléti striker joining Palmeiras.”
But Costa has failed to establish himself in his home country as his track record with Brazil clubs has not been as successful as his time in Europe.
In the last three seasons, he has played 66 matches and scored 11 goals.
Before his move to Wolves in 2022 the veteran striker made his debut in Brazil’s Serie A side Atletico Mineiro.
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
However, he failed to bring with his goal-scoring prowess after striking just four goals across the whole term.
And during his four months at Botafogo Costa has found the back of the net three times in 12 appearances.
Costa blossomed as a goalscorer when he assisted Atletic Madrid to La Liga victory, a Copa del Rey title, and a UEFA Super Cup, and reached the 2014 UEFA Champions League final.
In 2014, he was signed by Chelsea in a deal worth £32 million.
During his time in West London, Costa won three trophies, including two Premier League titles and a League Cup – scoring 52 goals in 83 appearances.
Costa then returned to Atletico in 2018 where he won a UEFA Europa League title and another UEFA Super Cup.