Diego Costa Chelsea Premier League

Costa reignites Conte feud: His text message was a moment of madness!

Diego Costa has had a fresh dig at Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, insisting that his text to tell the striker that he wasn't needed at Stamford Bridge was a "moment of madness".

The Spain international has yet to return to London since the conclusion of the 2016-17 campaign, with Conte having been clear over his stance that Costa was surplus to requirements.

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And referencing the reported text message that the Italian sent the player at the end of last season, Costa expressed his annoyance at his manager's failure to speak to him in person.

"Conte's text? It was a moment of madness. It can happen, but I thought it was disrespectful," he told MC News.

"I always asked to speak face to face with the coach and the board. I never sent [them] text messages, so it shows what kind of person he is.

"If something makes me sad about this situation, it's [the fans'] affection as they'd always supported me, even during the delicate moments.

"If I'd been in the team for three years, it was for them and the dressing room, which was very much united. It was a great experience."

Regarding his future, Costa reiterated that he wants to move back to former club Atletico Madrid and that he is willing to wait for Diego Simeone's side.

He added: "I already have in mind where I want to play and I've made it very clear. 

"[Spain's] a country with which I identify a lot due to the climate and the people."I fell in love with Madrid. We have to wait for the right moment."

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