Marcos Alonso reveals ‘beast’ Diego Costa is the one team-mate he wishes had never left Chelsea

MARCOS ALONSO wishes that "beast" Diego Costa was still at Chelsea.

The duo were both instrumental in the Blues' most recent Premier League title triumph back in 2017.

But after the success, Costa left Stamford Bridge under a cloud that September.

Boss Antonio Conte is believed to have told the Spaniard via text that he was no longer in his plans.

The 31-year-old had been thought to have been pining for a move since January 2017, with his form having dipped in the latter stages of the 2016-17 season.

And Conte's text reportedly read: "Thanks for the seasono [sic] we spent together. Good luck for the next year but you are not in my plan."

Costa bluntly replied: "Ok".

Alonso has remained at Chelsea in the following three years, with his form having fluctuated in that time.

Still popular in West London for his exploits that season, as well as seemingly every time they play Tottenham, Alonso participated in a Q&A with fans while in lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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And he hadn't forgotten his old pal when asked which ex-Chelsea star he'd love to bring back to the current side.

He said: "The beast himself and my good friend, Diego Costa"

Neither Costa nor Chelsea have won a league title since they parted ways.

The Blues initially tried to fill the void with Alvaro Morata.

But the Spaniard flopped, before ironically going on to partner Costa at Atletico Madrid.

Tammy Abraham has done well this season, but the Blues are still reportedly hoping to sign a striker when possible.

As for Costa, he has been linked with a £25million return to Brazil with Flamengo, having only netted 14 goals in nearly three years since his return to Atletico.