Fabregas hails "pure No 9" Costa

Cesc Fabregas says there has been "no better pure No 9" than his Chelsea team-mate Diego Costa over the past few seasons.

The Premier League champions last week agreed a deal to sell Costa back to his former club Atletico Madrid for a £53m fee.

However, the 28-year-old will not be able to play for Atleti until January, as the Spanish club are currently subject to a transfer embargo imposed by Uefa for breaching rules over the transfer of foreign players under the age of 18.

Costa has not played for the Blues this season after falling out with manager Antonio Conte last season, and was at home in his native Brazil when the Premier League season began in August.

And Fabregas says his fellow Spanish international is desparate to start playing again after his enforced break from the game.

Chelsea's Premier League game against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 30 September is live on BT Sport 1 on the eir Sport pack [kick off 5.30pm]

"It's a shame for him more than anyone," Fabregas told Marca.

"Diego knew that signing for Atletico meant he could not play for a few months.

"It has been a difficult situation for him, for Chelsea. He deserves to be on the field."

Fabregas says he will miss his "special connection" with Costa, with whom he won two Premier League titles and a League Cup in their three seasons together at Stamford Bridge.

"Diego is always [a friend] and never a rival," Fabregas added. "In recent years there has not been a better pure No 9 than him.

"He gives a lot to the team. It is not only the Diego you see on the field. He is a character that greatly encourages the group."

You can watch all of Chelsea’s Champions League campaign on the eir Sport package. Antonio Conte’s side will face Atletico Madrid, Qarabag and Roma in Group C. The Premier League champions' game against Atletico Madrid at Estadio Metropolitano on Wednesday, 26 September is live on eir Sport 1 [kick off 7.45pm]

Image: Getty Images/ Clive Rose

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