Diego Costa says he's ready to play for Spain

MADRID (AP) Atletico Madrid's Brazilian-born forward Diego Costa said Sunday that he was ready and willing to play for his adopted country Spain.

"I have played my entire career here regardless that I was born in Brazil," Diego Costa said after scoring two goals in Atletico's 2-1 win over Celta Vigo.

"Spain has given me everything and if I can play for the national team I will do it as well as I can."

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said this week he spoke to Diego Costa and both agreed he should play for the world champions as they prepare for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

A paperwork delay stopped Spain from calling him up for its next two qualifiers.

Diego Costa leads the Spanish league with 10 goals and has helped Atletico earn a club record eight straight wins to start the season.

With David Villa and Fernando Torres both having injury problems and showing a dip in form, Del Bosque appears set to make a major change to a squad whose core he has kept largely intact since Spain won the first of its two consecutive European championships in 2008.