Daniel Alves wants Diego Costa to choose Brazil

Barcelona defender Daniel Alves has urged Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa to reject Spain for Brazil.

Costa has played twice in friendlies for Brazil, but it is believed that he wants to represent Spain after attaining citizenship with La Roja.

"I would ask Diego Costa to make his decision with a cool head because he would also be an important player for Brazil. It's not for nothing that he is the top scorer in La Liga," he told AS.

"These decisions are very personal and you have to respect whatever Diego Costa decides. But, again, I would suggest he thinks coolly before making a decision he can't go back on.

"I have not spoken to Diego Costa about this decision because I do not want to interfere. Diego will know what is best for him. But, if in the end he decides to play with Spain, we will have to respect that. I, myself, went through this experience in 2006 when I was at Sevilla but I decided to play for my country."

Costa has scored 10 La Liga goals this season.