Diego Costa latest: Chelsea one of the 'world's greatest clubs' says Blues-bound striker

£35m move to Stamford Bridge still to be announced

Diego Costa says he is joining Chelsea because they are one of the "greatest clubs in the world" (Getty Images)

Diego Costa says his decision to join Chelsea was because he wanted to play for one of the "world's greatest" clubs.

The Brazil-born Spain striker has agreed a move to Stamford Bridge, though neither the Blues or Atletico Madrid have officially announced the £35m deal.

Costa scored 36 goals for Diego Simeone's side, who won their first La Liga title in 18 years and reached the final of the Champions League.

"Why would I have chosen to play for Chelsea? It is a thing that is about to happen," Costa told Goal.

"Things are going in a direction and, if they keep going as they are going, it is the team I will play for in the next season.

"I've wanted to play in the Premier League for a while. Chelsea are one of the greatest clubs of the world so there are many factors that make you take a decision like this."

Costa has been struggling with injury in recent weeks and only lasted eight minutes in the Champions League final.

He started the 5-1 thrashing at the hands of the Netherlands but was withdrawn for Fernando Torres.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca yesterday, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said the deal for Costa was close.

"Costa is a player I want in my team," he said.

"I've asked the club to bring him in and I am extremely confident that we are going to get him and he'll end up signing for Chelsea."