Diego Costa unwanted by Conte at Chelsea

Jun 7, 2017 - 11:58 PM Chelsea striker Diego Costa has claimed manager Antonio Conte has told him he is not part of his plans.

Costa, who scored 26 goals in 46 games for the Premier League champions last season, has said Conte sent him a text message informing him of his fate.

Costa did not feature for Spain in the 2-2 friendly draw with Colombia in Murcia, but spoke to reporters about his club future.

"I'm a Chelsea player, but they do not want me there," Brazilian-born Costa said.

"Antonio Conte has told me by message that I do not follow at Chelsea and that's it.

"Conte said he did not count on me for next season."

With Chelsea interested in a return to Stamford Bridge for Everton's 24-year-old Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku, Costa's time in London appears over.

"It's a shame, I've already forwarded the message to Chelsea people to decide," Costa said.

"But it is clear that the coach does not count on me and does not want me there.

"You have to find a team."

An exit from Chelsea has long been on the cards for Costa, who has been the reported subject of a money-spinning offer from a Chinese Super League.

The striker has his heart set on a return to Atletico Madrid, though that move would be delayed due to the Spanish club's transfer embargo.

"It would be nice to return to Atletico, but it is difficult to be four-five months without playing," Costa said, in quotes reported by Marca.

"Being five months without playing? I do not know, it's complicated, but people know that I love Atletico a lot and that I love living in Madrid.

"It's a World Cup year and there's a lot to think about. I need to play, that's all."

Costa joined the Blues in 2014 and has bagged 58 goals in 120 games, winning two Premier League titles and one League Cup.

Source: AAP