While Diego Costa's future at Chelsea was one of the main talking points of the January transfer window, the Spanish striker has now been discussing the futures of some of his teammates.
Costa was interviewed by Spanish radio station Cope after last night's 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Manchester United and, when the topic of Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard's futures at Stamford Bridge came up in conversation, Costa wasn't exactly confident that he'd be sharing a dressing room with the pair next season.
WATCH: Gary Neville predicts Chelsea's future...
Credit: Sky Sports
Advert
Real Madrid have been heavily linked with both Courtois and Hazard over the past year and the former Atletico Madrid striker admitted the lure of the Bernabeu may be too much for either player to resist.
On Courtois, Costa said, "We know Courtois loves Spain, his family lives there, he's a great goalkeeper and (Real) Madrid needs people like that."
Will Courtois return to Madrid, this Summer? Real are hopeful of luring the former Atleti 'keeper back to the Spanish capital. Image: PA
Advert
When Hazard's name was mentioned, the Chelsea striker reamined hopeful the Belgian would stay, but again admitted that it would be hard for any player to resist 'Los Blancos':
"It will be bad news for Chelsea if Real Madrid sign Hazard and Courtois. Eden is the best, he's top. Barcelona and Real Madrid will have their eye (on him) and if a team like these knock on the door you have to think about it. It is normal that they love him but hopefully he will not leave."
Zinedine Zidane reportedly wants Hazard to replace the outgoing duo of James Rodriguez and Isco. Image: PA
Advert
Of course, Costa's words are far from a guarantee that either player is leaving or is thinking about leaving, but Chelsea fans will have surely been hoping he'd poured at least a bit of cold water on any rumours linking the club's star players with moves to the Spanish capital.
Following last night's victory, Chelsea remain on course to complete a league and cup double, a feat they last achieved with another Italian at the helm during his debut season, when Carlo Ancelotti led the Blues to Premier League and FA Cup glory in 2010.
Can Antonio Conte emulate his countryman, seven years later?
(H/T 101 Great Goals)
Topics: Eden Hazard, Football, Chelsea FC, Diego Costa, Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid