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Atletico Madrid 'would love' reunion with Diego Costa

Carl Recine / Reuters

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has admitted the club "would love" to bring back Diego Costa this summer, but reiterated that brokering such a deal could prove troublesome.

The Brazilian-turned-Spanish international signed for Chelsea in 2014 and, despite enjoying a successful first term in London, has struggled this season with consistency and has also been subject to reports he's tired of how he's portrayed by the British media.

Suggestions of a return to the Spanish capital surfaced quickly, as did stories he would move to the cash-rich Chinese Super League. Cerezo's latest sentiments, however, could be a response to incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte apparently having talks with the striker at a recent training ground visit.

Related - Report: Chelsea determined to keep Diego Costa after positive talks with Conte

"I think it's difficult but as far as we are concerned we would love it if (Costa) came back here," Cerezo told Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail.

Cerezo and Costa still share a friendship.

"It's the Atleti way," he continued. "We have a magnificent relationship with all ex-coaches and players. I went to see Simeone in Argentina when he was at River Plate, that is the way it is with Costa."

Cerezo revealed he may have a significant weapon in his locker when it comes to persuading Costa to return: Champions League football. Chelsea is languishing in the Premier League's mid-table after a miserable defence of its title, so it has no chance of appearing in the Champions League next season. Atletico, meanwhile, is vying with La Liga rival Barcelona in the competition's quarter-final stage while it occupies second in its domestic division.

Chelsea allegedly tried to poach from the Vicente Calderon Stadium again recently with interest in manager Diego Simeone. The Blues eventually plumped for Conte, and Cerezo is unconcerned about the future of his highly rated gaffer.

"There is no expiry date (for Atletico and Simeone)," Cerezo insisted. "He signed for another five years last summer and if both sides are happy - and I think they are - there is no need to think the situation is going to change. When this contract ends we will ask him to renew and I think he will."

After deciding who makes the Champions League last-four against Barca, Atletico returns to La Liga duty Sunday when Granada visits.

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