Being fined two weeks wages is not forcing Diego Costa to return to Chelsea at the club's request, with the Spain international today releasing a statement on his future.
The striker's relationship with boss Antonio Conte has seriously deteriorated, with the Italian informing Costa via text that he was no longer wanted at the club.
Back in June Spanish paper AS claimed they had seen the text sent to the Chelsea striker, saying: "Hi Diego, I hope you are well. Thanks for the seasono [sic] we spent together. Good luck for the next year but you are not in my plan."
Advert
Despite not having a future at the club, Chelsea had wanted Costa to return to Cobham and train with the reserves. But he has not adhered to their demands and instead has returned to his hometown of Lagarto. in Brazil.
He has spoken publicly about his desire to return to his beloved Atletico Madrid, and echoed those thoughts in an official statement he released.
"My destination is has already been decided. I must return to Atletico Madrid," he is quoted as saying by Globo Esporte.
Advert
"It turns out that there is the impasse that Chelsea do not want to release me.
"But I believe that this situation will be resolved now on my return to Spain."
Costa's comments follow on from an interview in which he opened up about his situation to Daily Mail.
Journalist Adam Crafton knocked on the door of his house, was welcomed in and got the scoop from Costa, who revealed all.
Advert
During the interview, Costa had the following to say about his relationship with Conte and Chelsea:
"I am waiting for Chelsea to set me free. I didn't want to leave. I was happy. When the manager does not want you, you have to go," Costa said.
"I respect him as a great coach. He has done a good job and I can see that, but as a person, no. He is not a coach who is very close with his players. He is very distant. He doesn't possess charisma."
Costa went onto speak about his relationship with Jose Mourinho and spoke much more positively about his former boss.
Advert
"Jose has called me, direct to my phone, just to check I am OK and to see how I am," he added.
"He wished me good luck. I never had any problems with Jose, we have a strong relationship. Everyone was very sad when things didn't work out in the end for him at Chelsea."
Image: PA
Advert
The former Rayo Vallecano man also revealed that in the hope of sealing his return to Atleti.
"My desire is to go to Atletico. I've spoken to Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia. I said, 'If the manager doesn't want me, I want to go to Atletico Madrid'.
"I have rejected other offers. They want to sell me to China or other teams. The language is better for me in Spain. If I'm off, I'm going to the club I want to go to - not the club that's paying the most.
"Diego Simeone wants me. It is very clear. I have always had a bond with him. The fans and people love me there. They respect me."
Will Costa get his wish? Thoughts on how the situation has been handled?
Sound off in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Chelsea, Football, Atletico Madrid, Diego Costa
