Diego Costa backed to shine by John Terry at Chelsea after European 'square-up'

  • Brazil-born striker signed five-year deal to tie him to Blues until 2019
  • Chelsea triggered his £32million buy-out clause in his contract
  • Costa helped Atletico to the La Liga title and Champions League final
  • Terry and Costa had a run in during the Champions League

Chelsea captain John Terry has predicted big things from rival-turned-team-mate Diego Costa after the Spain striker's move to Stamford Bridge was completed.

The Blues on Wednesday announced that Brazilian left-back Felipe Luis is set to move from Atletico Madrid following Costa, whose £32million switch was sealed on Tuesday.

Brazil-born striker Costa impressed in helping Atletico to a first Primera Division title in 18 years last season and guided Los Rojiblancos into the Champions League final, beating Chelsea in the semi-finals.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch Diego Costa: Nutmegged by new Chelsea teammate Azpilicueta

Head to head: John Terry has high hopes for Diego Costa (left), who has signed for Chelsea

Head to head: John Terry has high hopes for Diego Costa (left), who has signed for Chelsea

Rubber-stamped: Chelsea have agreed a £32m move for the former Atletico Madrid striker

Rubber-stamped: Chelsea have agreed a £32m move for the former Atletico Madrid striker

VIDEO Chelsea finally confirm Costa deal

Terry saw Costa, whose World Cup performances were hampered by a hamstring injury as Spain exited in the group stages, in close quarters and was impressed.

'First of all, his movement and his strength are really good - I was really surprised by it,' Terry, who is now in his 20th season at Stamford Bridge, told chelseafc.com.

'I think everyone remembers the square-up we had in the first 10 minutes of the first leg of our semi-final game against Atletico Madrid last season, after which I thought "fair play".

'He holds the ball up very well, he has got great movement and he is really physical, but he is very clever with his strength and the way he uses his body. I think he could be a very good signing for us.'

Four players who played for Atletico last term could be at Chelsea next season, with Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois back following his three-season loan spell and Costa poised to be joined by Luis, while midfielder Tiago could return to Stamford Bridge.

The arrival of Luis is imminent after an agreement with Atletico was reached, with personal terms to be thrashed out.

Disappointment: Costa was part of the Spain squad that bombed out of the World Cup in the group stages

Disappointment: Costa was part of the Spain squad that bombed out of the World Cup in the group stages

Swapping sides: Four players who played for Atletico last term could be at Chelsea next season

Swapping sides: Four players who played for Atletico last term could be at Chelsea next season

A statement published on Chelsea's official website read: 'Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Filipe Luis.'

The 28-year-old has an opportunity to replace Ashley Cole as Chelsea's first-choice left-back in the long-term.

After missing much of the 2013-14 season through injury, former England defender Cole left Chelsea on a free transfer in June and has since joined Roma.

Natural right-back Cesar Azpilicueta proved an able deputy to Cole as Chelsea finished third in the Barclays Premier League, but Luis' arrival will allow the Spaniard to return to his preferred flank.

Luis joined Atletico from Deportiva La Coruna in 2010 and has made 98 appearances in all competitions for the Madrid side, winning the Europa League in 2012 and the Copa del Rey in 2013 before becoming a league champion.

He has four Brazil caps and was placed on Luiz Felipe Scolari's standby list for the 2014 World Cup in his homeland.

Target: Filipe Luis impressed for Atletico last season and is keen to make the move to Chelsea

Target: Filipe Luis impressed for Atletico last season and is keen to make the move to Chelsea

Almost: Luis, not picked in Brazil's World Cup squad, is closing in on a switch to Stamford Bridge

Almost: Luis, not picked in Brazil's World Cup squad, is closing in on a switch to Stamford Bridge



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