The row between Diego Costa and Antonio Conte has just taken a turn for the worse. According to the Mirror, the Spanish striker took a screenshot of the text he received from the manager and shared it with his Chelsea team-mates.
The 28-year-old’s Stamford Bridge future is over. The striker revealed this to the media after the 2-2 draw with Colombia, admitting to receiving a text from the Italian tactician saying he is not in the manager’s plans for next season.
Costa then stated he must leave the Premier League champions – an understandable decision given that the World Cup will be next year. In a move that can be interpreted as a last laugh, Diego has shared Conte’s text with the players and staff in a bid to undermine Conte’s authority.
The text said: "Hi Diego, I hope you are well. Thanks for the seasono [sic] we spent together. Good luck for the next year but you are not in my plan.”
This latest feud in the rocky relationship between player and manager started when Conte messaged all the first-team players to enjoy their holidays but remain fit. The former Atletico sent a “flippant and cheeky” response which angered the manager.
After winning the league twice in his three seasons in London, Costa will have to find new employers. Chelsea’s chances of cashing in big on the Spaniard are gone given his decision to go public with his latest bust-up with the manager.
A return to Atletico is Diego’s preference, but a transfer ban will prohibit that move from happening until January. His agent Jorge Mendes has been speaking with AC Milan whilst interest from China could easily re-emerge.
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