Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa has claimed that he asked Spain boss Vicente del Bosque not to hand him a call-up to the squad if it would cause divisions in the camp.
The Brazilian-born attacker received his first call-up for the European and world champions on Thursday and is expected to make his bow for La Roja against Italy next week.
However, the 25-year-old has clashed with fellow countryman and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos on a number of occasions this season, something which had been in the back of Costa's mind when he received the call.
"I really like how Del Bosque spoke to me," he told Canal+.
"I told him that I wouldn't want to get called up if it bothered anyone, because they are the best and the group is the most important. I am going to sweat for this shirt."
Costa has scored 27 goals in 35 games this season.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
