Diego Costa nervous ahead of Spain debut

MADRID (AP) — Diego Costa has been overcome by nerves ahead of his debut for Spain.

The Brazilian-born striker, who is a naturalized Spanish citizen, says he is feeling anxious ahead of Wednesday's international friendly against Italy at the Vicente Calderon Stadium, but there was also excitement to finally play for his adopted homeland.

Diego Costa says "I will just try to be myself. Playing for the national team is something else, a whole other world."

The Atletico Madrid striker says his club teammates have helped comfort him, while his new teammates and coach Vicente del Bosque have also been accommodating.

But he was focusing on playing against Italy, not the World Cup, saying "I'll do the best I can here and hopefully I'll be with the team there."