Chelsea striker Diego Costa is 'wanted by us all' at Atletico Madrid, claims midfielder Koke

The wantaway forward would be welcomed back to his former club with open arms

Diego Costa celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid against Chelsea in 2014, with former teammate Koke (AFP/Getty Images)

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke says the whole club hopes Chelsea wantaway Diego Costa completes his return to Spain but admits the situation is “complicated”.

Costa has been open about his desire to return to the club where he spent five seasons before moving to the Premier League, but Atletico’s transfer ban means he cannot register with them until January.

Nevertheless, Koke believes the 28-year-old would be a positive influence on the La Liga side.

“We all want Diego Costa to come, but the situation is complicated,” Koke told Cadena Ser.

“If Diego comes, he will help us and he already knows a lot of us at the club so for us it would be very exciting.”

Costa has spent the summer at his parents’ house in Brazil and revealed in a newspaper earlier this month that Chelsea have been docking his wages for missing training.

His intention is to return to Atletico where he feels he is “loved”.

“I have rejected other offers,” Costa said.

“They want to sell me to China or other teams. The language is better for me in Spain. If I'm off, I'm going to the club I want to go to — not the club that's paying the most.

“[Atletico manager] Diego Simeone wants me. It is very clear. I have always had a bond with him. The fans and people love me there. They respect me.”

A short-term loan deal to Everton has emerged as a possibility in order for the striker to gain match fitness ahead of a January move to Spain.