Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa has joked about the amount of money team-mate Antoine Griezmann will have earned in his latest contract extension.
Less than a week after “La Decision” Griezmann officially ended speculation on a move to Barcelona, putting pen to paper on a new deal with Atletico Madrid, with France team-mates Lucas Hernandez and Thomas Lemar also inking new deals with the club.
Costa said he always knew his strike partner would remain at the Wanda Metropolitano, and is delighted to have the club’s star on board once again.
“I haven’t seen the documentary, but I knew what was the end. When it takes so long to make a decision it’s because he was going to stay,” he told Onda Cero .
“I knew that he identified very much with the fans, with the people, with us. I was delighted,” he continued before aiming a jibe at his French friend.
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“The b*stard will have received good money.”
Costa made a return to the La Liga side last September, signing a deal until 2021, but wasn’t able to return to the pitch until the winter window opened in January, scoring on his return in a Copa del Rey clash.
Atletico went on to went on to finish second in the league and win the Europa League last season.
The forward is also off to a fine start in the World Cup, having netted twice in a sensational 3-3 draw with Portugal to open Spain’s campaign.
Despite the run of success and the money his club has been throwing around, the 29-year-old is not looking to ask for a new deal from the club.
“This project is incredible, I’m very happy and convinced we’ll accomplish great things together” @AntoGriezmann said after signing his renovation. #Griezmann2023 https://t.co/OdSjyd4D6B pic.twitter.com/ncAwJjCKur
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) June 19, 2018
“If he is going to charge whatever, I don’t have to be envious,” Costa said. “I have what I have and it’s not necessary to knock on the door.
“What I have to do is score goals, enjoy.”
Spain continue their World Cup run on Wednesday against early Group B leaders Iran, while Griezmann and France return to action Thursday.
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