Diego Costa is delighted to make the move to Wolves today.
Wolves have signed the former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker on a free transfer until the end of the season.
The 33-year-old has been without a club since leaving Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro in January.
Costa said, “It's a first-class club with very good players who know how to play football and having the chance to play in the Premier League again was the main thing.
“Obviously, the club influenced my decision, especially knowing I will be able to adapt a lot more easily here not only from a technical point of view, the quality of the players but also from the fact that a lot of the players are Portuguese and that will make my transition that much smoother.
“It wasn't in the best terms possible on accounts of a player's injury which, unfortunately, I can only wish him nothing but the best for him.
“But when he [Bruno Lage] told me about returning to the Premier League since this a championship I have related to quite a bit, always liked it and followed. No matter how much I enjoyed playing in Madrid, I felt discouraged, but this motivated me. It lit that fire within me."
On returning to England, the veteran continued: “I always thought that the Premier League was the best out there, the best in the world. I had the pleasure to play in it, return again and in my opinion, from experience, the league has the atmosphere, the way the game is played, the stadiums full of supporters, the pitch in perfect condition, the respect that players have for each other.
“I did think if I would be able to do it, if I was physically and mentally ready for this new challenge – a difficult one, that I know for sure – but mentally, I'm fine. On a physical and psychological level, I will need two to three weeks to get back in shape but that's normal since I haven't done much for a while but I know that I can do it.
“If I ever doubted my potential because of what I've done – and thank God I've had a fulfilling career – and I didn't have anything left to give, I wouldn't have accepted this challenge because I have a team to care for and if I said yes to this, it's because I think that I can bring something to the table."
Costa says he's also held talks with manager Bruno Lage about his ambitions.
“We did speak. We didn't really go into the personal side of things or speak about family. We talked about football. I explained how I felt because I am incredibly motivated and ready to play again. I know that I can help but I also explained my current situation which means that I need my own time.
“I asked him not to rush me into things in the sense of planning things that don't always go to plan because that will mean I won't be able to help the way I want to. He was very understanding. He is a great manager and someone who has been doing a great job.
“He spoke with some of my former colleagues, but he was very serene, which is very important for a player. We might say that 'Diego Costa is this way' but a manager taking the time to get to know you as a player, worry about you and trust you – because there might be some doubt since I was not playing for a long time and I understand there, I don't judge that line of thought because your data people just see your stats. A lot of figures and a lot of bad players just play for the numbers and that shouldn't be a thing."
