9 Things Chelsea Fans Need To Know About Diego Costa

5. He Switched Nationality To Play For Spain

In 2013, Diego Costa sparked fury when he turned his back on Brazil - his place of birth - to instead represent Spain at international level. Costa was born in in Lagarto, an area of Brazil's smallest state, Sergipe, and even represented A Seleção twice. However, having originally signed for Atletico in 2007 - during one of two stints at the Madrid club - Costa completed five years of residency in Spain and was entitled to a Spanish passport under EU regulations, affording him duel-nationality. Taking advantage of this, the South American switched allegiances and decided to represent Spain, leaving Brazil fuming. So furious were Brazil over the 'treachery' that the country's football federation - the CBF - demanded Costa be stripped of his Brazilian citizenship. Predictably, the Spain striker received a hot reception at this summer's World Cup - hosted by Brazil - and was booed by the home fans with every touch of the ball. He might have wished he'd kept his Brazilian identity because Spain crashed out at the group stages while his native side reached the semi-finals.