Share

Costa 'did everything' to force Atletico return

Cape Town - Diego Costa has revealed the extent to which he tried to engineer a return to Atletico Madrid before finally ending up in front of Chelsea boss Antonio Conte with his "tail between his legs".

Costa, who netted 20 goals as the Blues claimed the 2014/15 Premier League title, was keen to return to his former club as Chelsea failed miserably in their title defence under Jose Mourinho.

Costa still weighed in with 12 goals last term, and having pledged himself to the club and new boss Antonio Conte, the striker is back to his concentrated best with 17 goals in 26 Premier League games this season.

After talks with his former side broke down, Costa found himself back in London where he had to face Conte.

Speaking to El Larguero, he said: "Atletico knows I have a special feeling for the team, I lived the best moment of my career there. El Cholo [Diego Simeone] knows it wasn't impossible for me to come back to Atletico.

"The relationship with Conte didn't start well because when he arrived I told him I wanted to go to Atletico. Chelsea's fans love me a lot, even more than in Atletico, figure that!

"When Atletico had to wait for me they didn't, there was still a month to go in the transfer market.

"I've done everything to come back to Atletico Madrid but I wouldn't fight the same to return. When Atletico didn't wait for me, I had to go to Conte with the tail between my legs."

Costa was close to leaving Chelsea again in January when a reported £30m-a-year offer was made for his services by a Chinese Premier League side.

Costa added: "In life, anything can happen and I do not close the door to anything. In football you are worth what you are worth when you are good. And why not? But right now I am good at Chelsea…I have two years left on my contract and I intend to fulfil them.

"But you never know. It's not impossible to reject it because there are things to assess. You have to think about it all. I do not rule out anything. If they come with something for Chelsea and the club tell me to go…I can go to China or elsewhere."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE