Chelsea striker Diego Costa has given an shockingly open and honest interview in which he admits to trying to force a transfer away from Stamford Bridge last summer.
Spain international Costa says his relationship with Blues manager Antonio Conto got off to a rocky start because of his campaign to secure a move back to former club Atletico Madrid.
Conte took over as Chelsea manager after Euro 2016 in July and, although he has enjoyed a fabulous first season in England, it could have been all so different had his leading goalscorer got what he wanted.
Costa told El Larguero, as translated by Sky Sports: “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 makes no secret of his affection for Atletico, which makes one think he may try to force a move again if one becomes possible this summer.
Atletico will presumably be in the market for a new forward if they fail to keep hold of star striker Antoine Griezmann.