Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa has slammed Tottenham boss Antonio Conte following the forward’s return to Stamford Bridge with Wolves on Saturday.
The pair worked together in west London, with Costa firing Chelsea and Conte to two Premier League title with 20 goals in each season.
However, it was decided that he was no longer required, and the fan-favourite striker was informed via text message, something that he was unhappy about at the time and, as he demonstrated after Wolves’ 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, an issue that has continued to nag him.
“I’ve never had a problem with the fans”, Costa explained. My problem was not with the crowd, it was with that coach. I left in bad terms with that manager, I left a champion for the second time, and he didn’t count on me.
“That was nothing I could do. I had to leave. Today showed that I did not leave on bad terms with the fans. It’s very special. It’s the feeling that in the time that you spent here, you did good work and left good memories. Chelsea fans always treated me very well. I was always surprised by the way they treated me. It’s satisfying.”
The now 34-year-old striker received a warm ovation from the Chelsea faithful as he returned, though it was likely helped by Chelsea strolling to a comfortable 3-0 win over his new side.
“Conte’s text? It was a moment of madness. It can happen, but I thought it was disrespectful. 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.
