Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
COSTA: GOODBYE AND GOOD LUK
Diego insists Everton star would be his perfect replacement at the Bridge
DIEGO COSTA wants Chelsea to sign Everton’s Romelu Lukaku as his replacement this summer.
The Spain hitman was unhappy a move to the Chinese Super League was blocked in January and is now keen on returning to Atletico Madrid. Antonio Conte is seeking to reinforce his Premier League-winning squad for an assault on the Champions League – but refused to say if Costa will stay. Former Blues forward Lukaku is among the Italian’s targets – and Chelsea could finance the deal by cashing in on their Brazil-born star. Asked if the champions should sign Lukaku, 24, Costa said: “I do not know – that’s a decision for the club. Of course, Lukaku is a very big player who played an impressive season. I hope he can sign at Chelsea because it’s a unique club.” With Alexis Sanchez also on Conte’s wishlist, Michy Batshuayi is among the Chelsea players who could be shipped out. But Costa added: “He is a big player and has an impressive future. The past matches have proven he has quality and scoring ability. “He is a boy who will take great steps. Hopefully, he will continue to grow – he has all the qualities to stay here. Batshuayi may stay because he’s young and I’m leaving,” Costa joined Chelsea for £32million in 2014. Former Atletico player and current assistant coach Juan Vizcaino said: “The doors are open here for Diego.” Also on the agenda this summer for Chelsea is getting Eden Hazard to sign a contract extension. The Chelsea Player of the Year – who beat N’golo Kante to the prize – said he is ready to talk after the forthcoming international matches but joked: “If I sign a new contract, there may not be enough money left to get Romelu!” Belgium star Hazard was recognised at the Chelsea awards night (with his trophy and boss Conte, below left). Also at the ceremony, exmanager Claudio Ranieri made a special presentation to John Terry, and Frank Lampard praised the departing captain as the best in Premier League history. “He leaves the legacy of being the most successful captain in our history, and the most successful captain in Premier League history, overtaking Roy Keane,” said Lampard. “What he’s done off the pitch, involving himself with the fans and academy, are legacies that match his performances on the pitch.” Terry (left) said: “Chelsea’s my life and it has been for 22 years and it’ll never go away. The fans mean everything to me, the memories will live with me forever. I couldn’t be here without you and I thank you from my heart. “I hope to be back here in the future. The club have made it clear the door is always open. I’m going to go away for a week to decide my future, whether that’s playing or finishing.”