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Agence France-Presse

Diego Costa insists he will look for an exit route out of Chelsea after being told by manager Antonio Conte he is not in the Italian’s plans for next season.
Costa was an integral part of Chelsea’s Premier League winning campaign this season, scoring 22 goals.
However, he claims he has no option but to leave Stamford Bridge in the coming months after being told by Conte he has no future with the English champions.
“I am going to be honest, the other day I got a message from the coach, Conte, that I am not part of his plans,” Costa told reporters after Spain’s 2-2 draw with Colombia on Wednesday.
“Right now I am a Chelsea player because I have a contract, but if the coach doesn’t want me there then I have to leave.”
Costa said last month that he would only contemplate a move back to Atletico Madrid, from whom he joined Chelsea in 2014.
Diego Costa can surely forget China move after shock new 100 per cent ‘tax’ doubles price of foreign stars and likely bursts football bubble
However, with the Spanish side banned by Fifa from registering new players until January, any move to Atletico before the end of August would mean Costa would have to wait until the new year to play.
“I don’t know,” said the striker when asked about a return to Atletico.
“To not play for four or five months is difficult. People know that I love my teammates at Atletico, I love to live in Madrid, but I need to think about my future.”
Costa does, though, believe Conte’s stance will allow him to leave on the cheap.
“Now it is much easier. If the coach doesn’t want you in his team, Chelsea have to sell me, and in the sales.”


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English Premier League

Antonio Conte ‘doesn’t want me’ at Chelsea, says Diego Costa as he ignites talk of Atletico Madrid return

Chelsea striker Diego Costa told reporters that manager Antonio Conte said he is no longer needed at the Premier League champions. Photo: Reuters

epa05994312 Chelsea manager Antonio Conte reacts during the FA Cup final match Arsenal vs Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 27 May 2017. EPA/ANDY RAIN EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' service. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications

Britain Soccer Football - Arsenal v Chelsea - FA Cup Final - Wembley Stadium - 27/5/17 Chelsea’s Diego Costa walks past manager Antonio Conte as he is substituted Action Images via Reuters / Lee Smith EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

Antonio Conte applauds Chelsea show of unity after Diego Costa nets on return after China transfer row

Chelsea’s Diego Costa shakes hands with manager Antonio Conte after his goalscoring return to action. Photo: AP

Football Soccer Britain - Chelsea v Hull City - Premier League - Stamford Bridge - 22/1/17 Chelsea manager Antonio Conte with Chelsea's Gary Cahill after the match Reuters / Eddie Keogh Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

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Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (C) waves to supporters as he is substituted during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge in London on January 22, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. /

Chelsea try to put Diego Costa furore to bed with China target set to return to team

A banner at Stamford Bridge honouring Costa. Photo: Reuters

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Chelsea’s Diego Costa trains alone for second day amid China transfer reports

It was reported that Chelsea’s Diego Costa had a bust-up with a member of the team’s coaching staff. Photo: Reuters

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Sport

Football

Spanish striker insists he will look for an exit route out of Chelsea after being told he is not in the Italian’s plans for next season


Antonio Conte ‘doesn’t want me’ at Chelsea, says Diego Costa as he ignites talk of Atletico Madrid return

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Spanish striker insists he will look for an exit route out of Chelsea after being told he is not in the Italian’s plans for next season

Spanish striker insists he will look for an exit route out of Chelsea after being told he is not in the Italian’s plans for next season