Conte laughs off rift with striker Costa

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has laughed off Diego Costa’s suggestion that he has been treated like “a criminal” and says the striker is in “the past”.

The 28-year-old Brazil-born Spain international signed for £32 million from Atletico Madrid in July 2014, agreeing a five-year contract, and wishes to return to the Spanish capital.

Costa criticised Chelsea and Conte from his home in Brazil this week, and the manager responded with humour yesterday.

“It’s great. I prefer to laugh,” Conte said. “I can tell you that everyone who was in Chelsea knows very well what happened last season with Diego. It’s funny, this interview.”

Costa yesterday pleaded with Chelsea to lower their asking price to allow him to return to Atletico.

The striker claims he was told he was not wanted by a text message sent by Conte during the off-season. But the Blues insist it was decided in January, with the striker and his agent, Jorge Mendes, that Costa could leave this summer.

Costa still has two years remaining on his contract. As a consequence, he has been ordered by Chelsea to return to London, get himself match fit and make himself available for selection.

That stance is seemingly at odds with Conte’s, but Chelsea want to monitor their player ahead of a possible transfer.

Conte was asked if he would select Costa if he was fit to play. “No. I’m not interested to continue this issue. I repeat: for me, it is the past,” he added.

Chelsea take on Tottenham tomorrow at Wembley and midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko could make his debut.

Defender Gary Cahill and midfielder Cesc Fabregas are suspended following their dismissals against Burnley, but Victor Moses is back from a ban.