Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa is ready to make his Spain debut tonight against Italy.
The Brazilian has controversially pledged his international commitment to La Roja ahead of the World Cup.
"It was a complicated decision at the time," Costa said to Canal Plus. "But it was a choice that I gave a lot of thought to and I tried to do the right thing.
"Spain showed an interest and I felt wanted.
"If they thought that I could be important to them, considering the team they have, then it's a privilege."
Costa, who moved to Spain in 2007 after playing in Portugal, has netted 21 goals in 24 Primera Division games this season and is the second leading scorer behind Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 25-year-old is taking nothing for granted when it comes to making the Spain squad this summer, however.
"(Spain coach Vicente) Del Bosque has always been crystal clear and never promised me anything," Costa said. "And this is what I like.
"I need to earn my place through work and effort.
"I would love to play at the World Cup in Brazil and do things just as well as Spain did in the last World Cup."
