Tiago Costa says fond farewell to Hearts

Portuguese defender Tiago Costa has left Scottish Premier League outfit Hearts, after a difficult spell in Edinburgh. The 21-year-old right-back has been allowed to return to Portugal, just three months after arriving in Scotland.

Costa joined Hearts from Benfica in August, and was regarded as a key signing for the club as they looked to launch a serious challenge for the SPL title. However, despite impressing on his debut against Inverness Caledonian Thistle shortly afterwards, he has found first-team chances limited.

After his debut Costa suffered a frustrating spell on the sidelines with injury, and strong competition for places at the back meant that the versatile defender played only a few reserve team games after returning to full fitness.

He had recently expressed a desire to stay and fight for his place with the Jambos, but Costa has now asked to leave the club, and will be on the lookout for a new team in his homeland in the near future.

The Tynecastle club released a statement confirming the youngster’s departure: “Tiago has requested a return to Portugal for personal reasons and we were happy to oblige,” said a club spokesman.

“He was a popular player in the squad and was an excellent professional in his time here. The club wish him all the best for the future.”