Antonio Conte sends direct message to Diego Costa about Chelsea issue
The Chelsea manager is keen to put his issue with Diego Costa behind him after the striker secured a return to Atletico Madrid
Antonio Conte has thanked Diego Costa for his contribution to Chelsea following the striker’s return to Atletico Madrid.
The controversial centre-forward completed a move to Atletico Madrid on loan for the remainder of the season on Thursday, with los Rojiblancos set to complete a £57.1m permanent deal to sign Costa at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.
Costa hasn’t featured for the defending Premier League champions this season after being told by Conte over a text message that he is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge at the start of the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old scored 20 goals in the Premier League to help Conte to win the Premier League title in his first season in charge of the Blues.
The pair were reported to have fallen out over interest from China in the Chelsea striker back in January but Conte made up with Costa as the Blues won the Premier League crown with two games to spare.
Speaking at his media conference ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium this weekend, Conte had a message for the departing Spain international.
“About this issue, we want to thank him for what he did with this club. We wish him all the best for the future,” Conte said.
“Now it is not important, I am not interested to continue talking about this issue. I am working with my players and am happy to work them them. This issue is not important.”
Costa won two Premier League titles and the EFL Cup during a three-season stay at Stamford Bridge.
