Chelsea striker Diego Costa thanked his Spain team-mates and coach Julen Lopetegui for helping him through a 'difficult time' after scoring twice in the 8-0 demolition on Liechtenstein on Monday.
Costa scored either side of half-time to help La Roja seal a comfortable 2018 World Cup qualifying victory in Leon, Spain, with the striker ending a near two-year international goal drought in the process.
The Brazilian-born forward had previously hit out at criticism of his form, suggesting that the Spanish media would view him differently had he been born in Spain or was playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid.
However, Costa used the opportunity to praise Lopetegui and the Spain squad after returning to the scoresheet for Spain following a tough period.
"Not only [have I been supported by] the coach, but my teammates have never left me and always supported me. Now things are going well for me," Costa said.
"I had a difficult time of it and a forward needs goals, but I think I'm now more involved in the game and knew the goals would come.
"I could never complain about my teammates. I have to give them my thanks for how they've always supported me and never let me throw in the towel.
"Criticism is normal because more is always asked of international players."
The Chelsea players out on loan
Costa was taken off before scoring a hat-trick, with replacement Alvaro Morata - a Chelsea target this summer - being brought on to score twice as well.
Lopetegui added: "Ultimately, the players are masters of their destiny. We try to help them, but Diego [Costa] is a great player and showed it.
"We decided to start with Diego and when [our opponents] tired, Alvaro went on and did well."
