MADRID, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid confirmed on Tuesday that the club has reached an agreement with striker Diego Costa to rescind his contract and allow him to leave for free.

It is thought the agreement prohibits the 32-year-old from signing for any of Atletico's main rivals in either La Liga or the Champions League.

Costa had asked to be allowed to leave stating "family reasons."

"Atletico de Madrid and Diego Costa have reached an agreement for the termination of the striker's contract, which was to end on June 30, 2021. The striker asked to leave the club for personal reasons a few days ago and on Tuesday signed the termination of his contract," confirmed a declaration on the Atletico website.

Atletico also thanked Costa for his contribution in his two spells at the club, highlighting he had "played 215 official matches in two stages, scoring 83 goals and providing 36 assists. During his time at Atletico de Madrid, he won one La Liga title (2013-14), one Copa del Rey (2013), one Europa League (2018), and two UEFA Super Cups (2010 and 2018)."

"The club thanks Diego Costa for his dedication during these years and wishes him well in the next stage of his professional career," commented the club.

Despite his success in his first spell with Atletico, Costa has struggled to recreate his best form after returning from Chelsea in September 2017. He was not allowed to play until January 2018 and was sent off after scoring in his first league game following his return, while a series of injuries limited him to 19 goals in 81 games in the last three years. Enditem

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