Costa: Scolari made picking Spain over Brazil easy

WASHINGTON (AP) — Spain striker Diego Costa says Brazil coach Felipe Scolari's indifference made it easier to decide to play for his adopted country rather than his homeland at the World Cup.

Costa says he never received a phone call from Scolari about playing for Brazil, while Spain coach Vicente del Bosque "is the only coach who called me, who worried about me. ... I'm very happy to be here where I've been received like a brother."

Costa, who scored 36 goals for Atletico Madrid last season, says while he chose Spain over Brazil, "I feel very Brazilian and that will never change."

Costa has recovered from a leg muscle injury and was expected to play in the friendly against El Salvador on Saturday.