Chelsea striker Diego Costa tells Antonio Conte: 'I must return to Atletico Madrid'

Diego Costa has insisted that he will not return to Chelsea and reiterated his desire to rejoin former club Atletico Madrid this summer.

The Brazil-born Spain striker has been exiled from the Premier League champions after being informed by Antonio Conte that he was not part of his plans this season.

The 28-year-old is back in his native Brazil and has not reported for training as he pushes for a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Diego Costa has reiterated his desire to join Atletico Madrid this summer

Diego Costa has reiterated his desire to join Atletico Madrid this summer

The forward has been exiled since being told by Antonio Conte that he is not part of his plans

The forward has been exiled since being told by Antonio Conte that he is not part of his plans

In a statement released following a meeting with the Football Association of Sergipe, the governing body for his hometown of Lagarto, Costa said:  'My destination is already made.


'I must return to Atletico Madrid.

'It turns out that there is the impasse that Chelsea does not want to release me.

'But I believe that this situation will be resolved now on my return to Spain.'

Costa was told by text message by the Italian that he was not wanted this season, despite leading Chelsea to the title with 20 league goals last year.

The Chelsea striker is currently in Brazil after a fall-out with manager Conte

The Chelsea striker is currently in Brazil after a fall-out with manager Conte

Costa scored 20 Premier League goals to lead the Blues to last season's title

Costa scored 20 Premier League goals to lead the Blues to last season's title

The striker told Sportsmail he will only join Atletico after Conte cut him adrift from the first team.

Costa also claims that Chelsea will force him to train with the reserve team if he returns from Brazil. He has already been fined £300k.

Atletico are considering reimbursing Costa's weekly £150,000 fines, according to Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

Costa told Sportsmail: 'I've said "If the manager doesn't want me, the team I want to go to is Atletico Madrid."

Costa refused to return from his family home in Brazil after a fall-out with Antonio Conte 

Diego Costa invited Sportsmail into his family home for an exclusive interview on Saturday

Costa spoke exclusively to Sportsmail's Adam Crafton about his future in football

Costa spoke exclusively to Sportsmail's Adam Crafton

'I have rejected other offers. They want to sell me to China or other teams. If I'm off, I'm going to the club I want to go to - not the club that's paying the most.

'I want the deal with Atletico resolved this month. My idea would be to go to Madrid, train there, get in the best physical shape and be ready to fire ahead of the World Cup.

'(Diego) Simeone wants me. It is very clear. I have always had a bond with him. The fans and people love me there. They respect me. They see me as a person and a footballer.'

The 28-year-old has spent the majority of the summer back in his native Brazil

The 28-year-old has spent the majority of the summer back in his native Brazil