Chelsea striker Diego Costa has revealed he nearly signed for Liverpool before moving to Stamford Bridge . The Blues frontman has impressed since his £32million summer move from Atletico Madrid and is the Premier League 's joint-top scorer alongside Sergio Aguero on 17 goals . However , the Brazilian-born Spain international could have been playing for Liverpool after the Merseyside club triggered a £20m release clause in his contract in 2013 . Diego Costa has revealed he nearly joined Liverpool a year before signing for Chelsea from Atletico Madrid . Costa could have joined Liverpool after the Reds triggered a £20m release clause in his contract in 2013 . Costa would have formed a fearsome attack with Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez at Anfield last season . The striker instead stayed with Atletico and scored 27 goals to help Diego Simeone 's side beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the La Liga title last season . Since arriving in England , Costa has clashed with Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel and also missed three games for a stamp on Reds midfielder Emre Can . Speaking to the Daily Mirror , Costa said : ' I was close to leaving Atletico . ' 'Liverpool are a great team , but after fighting so hard and overcoming difficulties to get my place at Atletico , how could I leave ? ' I thought it was very important to keep growing with Atletico and to play there for many years . ' Costa goes head-to-head with Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel during January 's Capital One Cup semi-final . Costa was banned for three games after stamping on Liverpool midfielder Emre Can during the same fixture . Costa scored 27 goals for Atletico Madrid last season as Diego Simeone 's side claimed the La Liga title .
Luis Suarez joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in £32million switch . Spain striker could have joined Liverpool after Reds made bid in 2013 . The Blues attacker has scored 17 goals in the Premier League this season .