Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has thanked Diego Costa for his services after a deal was agreed between the Blues and Atletico Madrid.
The striker is set to depart Chelsea for Atletico in January with a reported 57 million agreed. What remains to be settled is a medical and personal terms between Costa and his former club.
His departure comes after the 28-year old attacker revealed he had received a text message from Conte, telling him not to count himself a part of his squad this season.
The player thereafter embarked on a self imposed exile to his hometown club Lagarto in Brazil and has not returned to join his teammates at Chelsea.
When quizzed about his reaction to the sale, Conte expressed his gratitude to Costa who helped him win the Premier League title last season, scoring 20 goals.
Conte on Diego Costa transfer: "We want to thank him for what he did with this club. We wish him all the best for the future." #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) September 22, 2017
The Italian manager further branded Costa’s saga not an ‘important’ issue when further questioned on it.
Conte on Costa again: "I am not interested in talking about the past. The past is not important for every single player or coach" #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) September 22, 2017
He adds he is focusing on the players in his squad.
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) September 22, 2017
