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Diego Costa Has Something Planned For Antonio Conte In The Atletico Tunnel

Diego Costa Has Something Planned For Antonio Conte In The Atletico Tunnel

Atletico Madrid entertain Chelsea in the Champions League, tonight.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Antonio Conte and Diego Costa are set to come face-to-face for the first time since the unceremonious text message over the summer.

But not on the pitch or dugout, though in the tunnel.

Atletico Madrid host Chelsea in tonight's Champions League Group Stage game. And ahead of the tie, Costa will be in the tunnel area to say his goodbyes to his former teammates and Chelsea staff including the Italian manager.

Costa wants to meet Conte to make peace following their dispute as reported by the Telegraph.

Conte hauls off Costa during a league game from last season. Image: PA

The Chelsea boss has said he'd shake Costa's hand should the pair meet in the tunnel, while claiming there is no problem.

"Yes, as I said before, I have no problem with Diego Costa. I said that we wish, for him, the best for the future. We want to thank him for the last season. But, I repeat, I have no problem with him," he said via Telegraph.

Happier times for Conte and Costa. Image: PA

After starring for Chelsea last season, Costa was abruptly deemed surplus to requirement by Conte through a text message.

"Hi Diego, I hope you are well. Thanks for the season we spent together. Good luck for the next year but you are not in my plan," Conte's text message read via BBC.

Costa celebrates winning the Premier League. Image: PA

Despite weighing in with 20 league goals, Conte ruthlessly binned the striker ahead of defending the Premier League title. He also drafted in Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata for £58 million.

Following a transfer saga which dominated the summer, Costa eventually secured his desired transfer. While the likes of Everton and AC Milan were reportedly interested in his services, the Spanish striker secured his switch back to Atleti.

Costa will reunite with Diego Simeone. Image: PA

Though while the clubs have struck a deal for Costa's transfer, he'll officially enter his third spell with the club in January once the window reopens.

And even though game 2 of the Champions League provides us with a huge clash pitting two of Europeans best, all eyes will be fixed on the tunnel before kick-off.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Diego Costa, Antonio Conte