Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has opened up on his less than cordial relationship with Antonio Conte during the pair’s time together at Chelsea.
Costa, 29, played a star role during Conte’s maiden campaign at the helm of Chelsea, scoring 20 league goals as the Blues cantered to the Premier League title in 2017.
However, the Spain international soon found himself out-of-favour with the Italian tactician and was told his services were no longer required, prompting Costa to return to Brazil until a deal with Atletico Madrid was finalised.
Conte’s infamous fall-out with Costa and the striker’s subsequent departure marked a tumultuous season for Conte, which saw him part ways with the club during the summer.
Costa has now shined a light on his fractious relationship with the Italian.
“It was a very bad moment, but it wasn’t my fault. People said things, but time puts everything in its place. Look where the coach is, look at Conte,” Costa told Marca, referencing Conte’s sacking in the summer.
“I was wrong going to Chelsea, because of their way of dealing with things. Cholo [Atletico coach Diego Simeone] is a direct coach, and when he doesn’t love you, it’s clear and he shows it.
“At Chelsea it was the opposite. I had the option of returning to Atleti and when Chelsea told me to go back to training with the reserves, I was clear that I was going back to Atletico, even though there were other offers.
“If not, I would’ve stayed in Brazil with my family. I had to live my whole life with my family. I have other values that no money can buy.”
Since rejoining the club who originally sold him to the Blues in 2014, Costa has netted nine goals in 24 appearances for Los Colchoneros, and the striker went on to speak of his delight in reuniting with Diego Simeone
He continued: “Cholo has always been important, because of the coach and the person he is. I love him as a person.
“He’s always been very direct to deal with. When he told me he wanted me to come back, it was like I’d never left.
“Here I have everything; a very big club in a big city and people are more similar to Brazil. Cholo is the boss and I was excited. I was happy to return.”
Next up for Atleti is the Madrid derby as they take on Real at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
The post Diego Costa sheds light on Chelsea quarrel with Antonio Conte appeared first on Squawka News.
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