BREAKDOWN AT BRIDGE: HOW THE SAGA UNFOLDED

January 13: First signs of trouble as Diego Costa fails to travel with Chelsea to Leicester after reports of a bust-up with manager Antonio Conte. There are suggestions his head has been turned by a mega-money offer from China.

January 22: Costa returns to Chelsea starting line-up and scores in 2-0 win over Hull. Conte says: “I hope with this game to finish the speculation about him, about Chelsea, about me and him.”

May 28: Costa insists he only wants to move to Atletico if he leaves Chelsea, saying: “I have no intention of leaving, I’m very happy, but if the club want to sell me there is one club I would go to.”

June 8: Costa claims Conte sent him a text message to tell the striker he is not in his plans next season.

July 21: Conte says decision to axe the striker was made in January, adding: “The situation is closed.” August 12: Premier League season starts with Costa refusing to return from Brazil and talk of legal action.

August 14: Costa slams Chelsea saying he is “not a criminal” and is ready to remain in exile for a year.

August 18: Costa pleads with Chelsea to lower their asking price for Atletico.

September 21: Atletico and Chelsea announce a deal has been reached.