Diego Costa has said that Antonio Conte has texted him he is no longer part of his plans at Chelsea.
The 26-year-old netted 26 goals in 46 games for the Blues last season and has been linked away for quite sometime now, at first it was Atletico Madrid, then a move to the Chinese League, then he was staying, NOW, in a strange turn of events, Costa will be leaving.
I must admit, I have been saying for sometime now that he will be staying at Chelsea, well a man admits when he is wrong and I was wrong, all the signs pointed to him staying, he said he was happy at the club and Conte even said Diego’s future was at Stamford Bridge.
But things have changed, assessments have been made, and it seems a big deal is in the works for an incoming player.
So what happened?
According to Costa, Conte sent him a text message telling him that his future will be away from Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to reporters after Spain’s 2-2 draw with Colombia on Wednesday night, Costa said: “I’m a Chelsea player, but they do not want me there. 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.
“It’s a shame, I’ve already forwarded the message to Chelsea people to decide. But it is clear that the coach does not count on me and does not want me there. You have to find a team.”
Here’s the full transcript of the brief interview, translated from the original Spanish audio, video after the transcript:
Reporter: [Question about Atlético Madrid and the CAS decision on their transfer ban]
Costa: “I will be quite honest. A few days ago I got a message from my manager [Antonio] Conte saying that I am no longer part of his plans. So I don’t know… I’m a Chelsea player because I have a contract but the manager doesn’t want me in the team. So I will have to leave.”
Reporter: Did he say why he doesn’t count on you?
Costa: “I don’t know. I didn’t have a good relationship with him this season and it’s clear he doesn’t want me in the team. I suppose I must have had a bad season to not continue [at Chelsea].”
Reporter: Had he had any other explanations?
Costa: “No, he just sent a simple message.”
Reporter: A simple text message?
Costa: “A simple text message. After everything I had done for him… It’s a shame but now I have to look for a new team and keep on playing.”
Reporter: Anyone else on Chelsea told they count on you for the next season?
Costa: “No, but if the manager, who puts the players on the pitch, doesn’t count on you anymore then you have to leave.”
Reporter: Have you got in tough with the club?
Costa: “I’ve already forwarded the message to other people within Chelsea so they can decide [on my future], but it’s clear the manager doesn’t want me there. I am on the market now, so I’m looking for a team.”
Reporter: [Question on whether Madrid can be his new team]:
Costa: “Five months without playing? I don’t know, it’s complicated. But people know I love Atlético and living in Madrid. It would be beautiful to return, but it’s hard to stay four, five months away from the pitch. It’s a World Cup year and there are a lot of things to think about. I need to play, just that.”
Reporter: […]
Costa: “Now it’s much easier [to leave Chelsea]. And if the manager doesn’t count on me and I have to leave, they surely need to sell me for a bargain.”
Video: Diego Costa talking about Antonio Conte and his situation at Chelsea pic.twitter.com/lIHkzI3o1A
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) June 8, 2017
