Earlier today, it emerged that Diego Costa wanted to meet former manager Antonio Conte before the Champions League tie between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid this evening, according to the Telegraph.
The 28-year-old wanted to 'make peace following their dispute', and the Chelsea manager said he'd shake Costa's hand should the pair meet in the tunnel, while going on to claim that there is no problem between the pair.
"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.
Hours after the reports emerged, Costa made his way to the Wanda Metropolitano tunnel and met with a number of former Chelsea teammates and staff, including Conte.
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As you can see in the pictures below, Costa was all 'smiles, hugs and chats' as Chelsea players went out to warm up before the Champions League tie - perhaps surprising considering his controversial departure from Stamford Bridge:
As we all know, Costa was abruptly deemed surplus to requirement by Antonio 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.
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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, and after weeks of speculation surrounding his future, the Spaniard eventually secured his desired transfer.
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Can Costa produce the goods at Atletico?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Costa, Chelsea, Atletico
