Diego Costa says 'disrespectful' Antonio Conte had a 'moment of madness' by ending his Chelsea career by text
The Chelsea striker is trying to force through a move to Atletico Madrid after learning that Conte no longer wants him in a highly-debated text message
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Diego Costa has continued his verbal attack on Chelsea manager Antonio Conte following his “moment of madness”, with the striker still angry about the text message he received from his manager telling him he had no future at Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old is currently absent without leave in his native Brazil as he attempts to force through a move to Atletico Madrid, the club who he left to join Chelsea three years ago. As part of his effort to force a transfer, Costa has told Chelsea that he will only join Atletico, and has ordered them to lower their valuation because they are blocking any chance of him leaving Stamford Bridge in what is proving to be one of the most remarkable club vs player stand-offs in memory.
Costa has not kept quiet on his desire to leave Chelsea, and has given a series of interviews in Brazil where he is currently staying at his family home.
The latest instalment has seen Costa question the respect of Conte and the Chelsea board, with the Spain international far from happy with learning his fate through text messages from the Italian manager.
"Conte's text? It was a moment of madness,” Costa told MC News. “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.”
The stand-off shows no sign of abating given that the club have demanded Costa return to London to resume training, all the while trying to offload him in a deal that could potentially exceed £50m. Atletico are reluctant to meet Chelsea’s valuation given they cannot play any new signings until their transfer ban ends at the start of January, and should Atleitco sign him before the summer transfer window deadline in 10 days’ time, they would have to pay his £150,000-a-week wages without getting anything in return.
But despite their ban, Costa made it clear why he will only join Atletico for the second time in his career.
“I already have in mind where I want to play and I've made it very clear,” he said. “[Spain's] a country with which I identify a lot due to the climate and the people.
“I fell in love with Madrid. We have to wait for the right moment.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments