Diego Costa reveals Chelsea boss Antonio Conte told him to leave club as he hints at Atletico Madrid return
Spain striker made the shock revelation on international duty when he revealed the contents of his manager's message
DIEGO COSTA has been told he is NOT wanted at Chelsea anymore.
The Spain striker's future at the club has been up in the air since rowing with Antonio Conte over a proposed January move to the Chinese Super League.
Costa, 28, ended up staying in London and went on to win the Premier League with the Blues.
But, speaking after La Roja's 2-2 draw in Colombia, he revealed: "Antonio Conte has told me by message that I will not continue with Chelsea and that's it.
"My relationship with the coach has been bad this season and it is clear that he does not want me on the team.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
"I guess I have had such a bad season that I can't continue.
"Right now I'm a Chelsea player because I have a contract, but the coach does not want me there. I have to find a new team."
Costa, who has two years left on his Stamford Bridge contract, has been linked with a sensational return to Atletico Madrid, who he swapped for Chelsea in 2014.
But the La Liga giants are currently serving a transfer ban and cannot sign players until January.
When asked whether a return to Atletico is next on the cards for him, Costa added: "Five months without playing? I do not know, it's complicated.
"But people know that I love Atletico a lot and that I love living in Madrid.
"It would be nice to go back, but it's difficult to go four or five months without playing and it's a World Cup year.
"There's a lot to think about. I need to play, that's all."
Costa scored 20 goals last term to help Chelsea regain the Premier League title.
But the Blues are targeting Everton's Romelu Lukaku and Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata to lead the line next season.
Lukaku, 24, who spent three seasons at Stamford Bridge, has been given a £100MILLION price tag by the Toffees, who hope it will scare off potential suitors.
Meanwhile, Real yesterday rejected Manchester United's £52m bid for Morata, also 24.