Diego Costa says there is ‘no bitterness’ between himself and Chelsea as striker closes in on Atletico Madrid return

Striking return | Costa set for transfer back to Atletico Madrid
PA
Richard Parry22 September 2017

Diego Costa insists that ‘everything is cool’ between himself and Chelsea after Atletico Madrid moved closer to re-signing the Spain international.

Chelsea confirmed on Thursday afternoon that they had reached an agreement with the Liga side, believed to worth in the region of £48.4million, though the deal could rise to £57.2m following add-ons.

The impending move will bring an end to over nine months of speculation which had resulted in the striker going AWOL since the summer as he pushed for a return to Spain.

Costa has been in his native Brazil for in an attempt to force through a return to Atletico Madrid, from whom he joined from in 2014, and recently said he thought it was “disrespectful” that Chelsea boss had texted him to inform him that he was no longer wanted.

But following Thursday’s announcement, Costa was interviewed by Splash News in a Sao Paulo airport, where he insisted that ‘everything is cool’ between himself and Chelsea.

"I'm not upset with anybody," he said. "I have no bitterness towards anyone.

"Everything is cool."

Asked if he had a message for the Chelsea fans, he responded: "Everybody knows how much I love the fans."

Diego Costa's Chelsea controversies

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The transfer ban received from Fifa means that Atletico will not be able to register Costa before January.

Costa leaves boasting the outstanding Premier League record of scoring 52 goals and providing 16 assists in 89 appearances – winning two titles in the process.

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