RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Veteran striker Diego Costa says he feels highly motivated and humbled as he begins a spell with Brazilian Serie A leaders Botafogo.
Costa faced the media on Wednesday for the first time since joining the Rio de Janeiro outfit on a free transfer last week.
"With me, the first thing is Botafogo; the second, Botafogo; and the third, Botafogo," said the 34-year-old, who agreed to a six-month contract.
"If I play, the priority will be to help; and if I don't play, I will try to help in another way. I am a very simple person with zero ego."
Costa, who was born in Brazil but became a Spanish citizen in 2013 and represented La Roja in two FIFA World Cups, parted ways with English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in June.
He also attracted interest from clubs in Europe, Saudi Arabia and at least one other Brazilian outfit but said he was swayed by Botafogo's ambition.
"There is nothing better than Botafogo right now," Costa said. "It is a very big club that is like one big family and, in addition to that, the club is fighting to win titles."
"That was a big factor in my final decision. I want to have that motivation to win something."
"The passion to give my best has never changed. I hope that the Diego Costa you saw score goals will be seen here again," added the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea center-forward.
Botafogo currently have 15 wins from 19 games to lead second-placed Palmeiras by 13 points at the halfway point of Brazil's top-flight season. ■
