Koke admits Atletico Madrid's locker room expected Diego Costa's return last summer.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone has admitted they only moved for Kevin Gamiero, while he was still with Sevilla, when it had become clear Chelsea weren't going to sell Costa.
Atleti midfielder Koke admits the players had hoped their former teammate would be returning for this season.
He told Radio Marca: "It would have pleased me to see Diego Costa return.
"But that did not happen and we have great players here."