Diego Costa Opens Old Wounds By Launching Fresh Attack On Antonio Conte

Diego Costa has had a fresh dig at Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, insisting that Conte’s text to tell him that he wasn’t needed at Stamford Bridge was a “moment of madness”. The Spain international has yet to return to London since the conclusion of the 2016-17 campaign, with Conte having been clear over his stance that Costa was surplus to requirements.
And referencing the reported text message that the Italian sent the player at the end of last season, Costa expressed his annoyance at his manager’s failure to speak to him in person. “Conte’s text? It was a moment of madness. It can happen, but I thought it was disrespectful,” Costa said.
“I always asked to speak face to face with the coach and the board. I never sent [them] text messages, so it shows what kind of person he is. If something makes me sad about this situation, it’s [the fans’] affection as they’d always supported me, even during the delicate moments. If I’d been in the team for three years, it was for them and the dressing room, which was very much united. It was a great experience.”