Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has dismissed claims Diego Costa has played his last game for the club.

Slapped with an eight-match ban for his meltdown at Barcelona on Saturday, the length of suspension means Costa's season is over. And it's been suggested Atletico will now seek to sell the striker after growing tired with his antics.

However, Cerezo insists: "I did not expect it to be so many matches, but if they have decided that, their motives will be so, it's a shame because all the players have a different temperament on the field.

"Diego was getting a lot of fouls and there comes a time when you have to get angry, but that's not justifiable because an insult is never justifiable."

The president added: "Why would he not continue? After they expel the player?

"It's a difficult moment for him, complicated for everyone, but not because he's going to continue or not, it's an ugly moment because it's a strong penalty and at Atlético I do not think there's ever been a player with this penalty."