I will NEVER return, Costa tells Chelsea
DIeGO COsTA’s war with Chelsea has intensified after the striker dismissed pleas to return to London and said he has no intention of ending his exile in Brazil. Costa is living at his childhood home in Lagarto after manager Antonio Conte told him by text message that he no longer forms part of his plans. Costa also claims Chelsea will force him to train with the reserves if he returns. He has been fined £300,000 and can expect more if he continues to stay away. Atletico Madrid may reimburse Costa for his fines if a deal can be completed before the end of the summer window. Chelsea have this week issued new demands for him to return but Costa publicly defied the club once more yesterday. After holding a meeting with the Football Association of sergipe, a state in north- east Brazil, Costa said: ‘My destination is already made. I must return to Atletico Madrid. There is an impasse as Chelsea do not want to release me. But I believe this situation will be resolved now on my return to spain.’ It comes as pressure grows on Conte, whose players are becoming bewildered by the club’s transfer policy. several first-team members are frustrated the squad has not been strengthened after last season’s Premier League title success.
They also have some sympathy with Costa, and Brazilian winger Willian is understood to be fearful he may be the next to be cut adrift by Conte. sources close to the dressing room believe Conte does not entirely trust Willian.
As for Costa, the path is now being set for a dramatic legal battle.
The Professional Footballers’ Association could provide an emergency solution to the escalating contractual dispute, but only if Costa asks the players’ union for support.
Costa’s lawyers may try to extricate him from the final two years of his contract on a free transfer on the basis that Conte has no intention of playing him and he cannot do his job. Costa told Sportsmail on Monday he does not want return to ‘an ugly life’ in London.
Chelsea can fine me for a year but I won’t return to an ugly life