Diego Costa has told Chelsea that he will not return for training as the striker continues to force for a possible transfer to Atletico Madrid.
Costa officially released a statement to Chelsea saying: “My destination is already set. I must return to Atletico Madrid next season.
The Spaniard was allegedly stunned when Blues boss Antonio Conte ditched him by text message at the start of June that he won’t be part of his plans this season.
Chelsea had expected Costa, who is back home in Brazil, to return to London and make himself available for selection if the striker is to seal a move back to Atletico. The striker’s refusal to return to London prompted the Blues to already fine him two week’s wages worth £300,000.
Costa aged 28, scored 20 goals in 35 league appearances in their title-winning campaign last season. He has won two premier league titles and one league cup since he joined in July 2014.
The striker wants to return to his former side Atletico Madrid where he played between 2010-2014, even though it means sitting out the first half of the season because they are on a transfer ban.
Chelsea replaced Diego Costa with Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid for £70m, and the new signing scored in their 3-2 loss to Burnley on his premier league debut at Stamford Bridge last Saturday.
Costa’s statement to Chelsea Football Club:
“My destination is already made. I must return to Atletico Madrid.
It turns out that there is the impasse that Chelsea does not want to release me.
But I believe that this situation will be resolved now on my return to Spain.”
