It is oftentimes a controversial move for someone to switch sides, with the individual being likened to people such as the infamous Benedict Arnold or the Biblical figure Judas.
Especially if, as in the case of football, it means changing one's allegiance from one nation to another. Yet, that is what Atletico Madrid's (but Chelsea-bound) talismanic hit man Diego Costa did back in October 2013.
Seven months prior, the Brazilian-born attacker made his international debut with his national side by appearing in two friendlies with Russia and Italy. Yet, he quickly grew disillusioned with the country of his birth and opted to switch his national representation to his adopted country where he had spent the past few years--Spain.
Naturally, his choosing to snub Brazil did not go down well with national team boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, who stated shortly after:
"He is turning his back on a dream of millions, to represent our national team, the five-time champions in a World Cup in Brazil."
Simply put, Costa's switch from Brazil to Spain within the span of a few months ruffled a few feathers across the nation.
And given that his first ever World Cup with La Furia Roja is back home, it is not surprising that the 25-year-old is not exactly being welcomed with open arms by some quarters of the public.
A group of Brazilians yelled "Traitor" at the Chelsea-bound attacker during a training session
Still, it is worth to note that it was a small group of youths hurling the abuse...yet who knows what will happen should Spain end up facing Brazil in the knockout rounds?
Especially if the prolific striker scores a winning goal against the Seleção...
