Chelsea Transfer News: Diego Costa hits back after fall out with Antonio Conte
GETTY Diego Costa hasn't played for Chelsea since May
Diego Costa was informed by Conte in June via text message telling him he wasn't a part of his long-term plans. The 28-year-old striker last played for the Blues in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal in May at Wembley. Costa, who hit 20 goals in 35 Premier League games for the Blues last term, has been continually linked with a return to Atletico Madrid. This is despite the La Liga outfit currently serving a transfer ban which will be lifted in January. And Costa feels like he has been treated like a 'criminal' by the club.
Chelsea outcast Diego Costa trains on his own in Brazil Wed, July 26, 2017 Chelsea outcast Diego Costa has been training on his own in Brazil Play slideshow 1 of 5
I'm not a criminal! I don't think it is fair after all I have done to be treated like that Diego Costa
"They want me to be there training with the reserves. I wouldn't be allowed access to the first-team dressing room and I would have no contact at all with the guys," Costa told the Daily Mail. "I'm not a criminal! I don't think it is fair after all I have done to be treated like that. "They gave me a week extra off but since then it's fines all the way. "They want me training with the reserves. I am not going to do that. "I am not a criminal and I am not in the wrong here. So, if they need to fine me, let them fine me. "I take the hit every week but I'm not driven by money. The important thing is to be happy with how I live.
GETTY Diego Costa has kept the text Antonio Conte (pictured) sent him