Diego Costa has reopened his war of words with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, suggesting that the Blues boss’ decision to inform the player he had no future with the club by text message "shows what type of a man he is."
Costa was informed by Conte in May that he could leave the club, with the Blues boss sending Costa a text to relay the message. Ever since, Costa has effectively been on strike and is refusing to return to the club, with Atletico Madrid his intended destination.
Costa told MC News, "Conte’s text? It was a moment of madness. It can happen, but I thought it was disrespectful.
"I always asked to speak face to face with the coach and the board. I never sent [them] text messages, so it shows what kind of person he is.
"If something makes me sad about this situation, it’s [the fans’] affection as they’d always supported me, even during the delicate moments.
"If I’d been in the team for three years, it was for them and the dressing room, which was very much united. It was a great experience."
