Spain striker Diego Costa believes he will not face the wrath of the home nation at the World Cup, having turned his back on playing for Brazil.

Brazilian-born Costa chose to represent Spain, where he plays his club football with Atletico Madrid and made his debut in a friendly against Italy last March.

The hitman revealed that there has been no animosity directed at him since returning to his homeland, but admitted that there might be tougher times ahead.

Speaking at Spain's World Cup base in Curitiba, Costa said: "So far it has been fine and people have treated me how I expected although it may not always be like that."

"I feel relaxed as I have the support of a lot of people who understand what the situation is."

Costa, who scored 36 goals in a fantastic season for Atletico last term, had reacted angrily a week ago to claims from the Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari that he had contacted the player and offered him the chance to play at the World Cup.

The player said it was only the Spain coach Vicente del Bosque who had been in touch and given him an opportunity at this level.

Meanwhile, in Costa's hometown of Lagarto in the north east of Brazil, there is overwhelming support for him, with plenty of Spain flags and shirts on display.

His brother Jair explained: "We are a small corner of Spain in Brazil and they have won 100,000 Brazil fans."

Costa's family will travel the 350 kilometres to Salvador de Bahia to watch Spain's opening game on June 13 against the Netherlands.

"My parents are very happy because now I am closer to them. They have always supported my decision," Costa said.

Even aside from his controversial choice of which nation he will represent, Costa is a player rival fans have come to hate for the way he looks to wind up the opposition players - but away from the pitch he has a likeable charm and has been warmly welcomed by his Spain team-mates.

"They treat me in a special way and I feel very comfortable there. It has been incredible. I am going through a great period at the moment and I have to be grateful for it," he said.

Costa came through a fitness test against El Salvador last weekend having suffered recurring hamstring problems in the latter stages of the season.

"I needed that game to get rid of the fear that I might suffer another injury. The last two times I felt fine, then played and had a repeat of the injury. Now though I feel a lot better," he added.

"It is normal to be anxious before the start. We face a very strong team and we are all training each day to be at our best."

Meanwhile, Atletico defender Joao Miranda - who was omitted from Scolari's Brazil World Cup squad - has revealed his is negotiating a move away from the Spanish champions and is in talks with top clubs in England in Spain.