Diego Costa sent clear message from Chelsea star after exit
Cesar Azpilicueta sends a message to Diego Costa after his transfer from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid was confirmed
Cesar Azpilicueta has wished Diego Costa all the best after his transfer to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea was confirmed last week.
The Spain international’s future had been a subject of relentless speculation throughout the summer transfer window as Antonio Conte appeared to deem him surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
Costa finally got his wish of a move back to Atletico last week after Chelsea confirmed that they had agreed a deal for the striker to move back to Spain.
Azpilicueta has played alongside Costa at both club and international level and the Blues defender had a special message for the striker after his exit from Stamford Bridge was confirmed.
Speaking at a news conference before Chelsea’s clash against Atletico Madrid, Azpilicueta said: “I was lucky enough to have played with Diego Costa in both Chelsea and the national team.
“He has now decided to change so I can say best of luck to him. He was important for Chelsea while he was here but now he has decided to move on. Best of luck to him.
“As I said before, I have been playing with him for years, we are Spanish team-mates and he is a top striker.”
Costa, who joined Chelsea under Jose Mourinho back in the summer of 2014, will not be able to play for Atletico until the Spanish club’s transfer ban is lifted in January.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will now set their sights firmly on their Premier League showdown with leaders Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
The west London side are currently third in the table and know that a win would move them level on points with Pep Guardiola’s side heading into the international break.
