DIEGO COSTA is poised to come face to face with Antonio Conte tonight for the first time since the Italian told him he was not wanted at Chelsea.
Costa wants to meet with Antonio Conte for the first time since the text message that ended his Chelsea career by saying his goodbyes in the tunnel of the Wanda Metropolitano stadium ahead of tonight’s (7.45pm) Champions League clash between his former club and Atletico Madrid.
The controversial striker formally completed his return to Atletico last night – 24 hours before Chelsea take on the Spanish club in their Group C Champions League clash.
Chelsea expect Costa, who was at Atletico’s game with Sevilla at the stadium on Saturday, to be in the tunnel area tonight before the game to say goodbye to his old team-mates and club staff.
The Spanish international had refused to return to England all summer.
Conte had insisted he would shake the hand of Costa if he met the forward tonight at the game – and last night maintained he had no problem with the player.
Antonio Conte first told Costa he could leave Chelsea this summer in January, following a row between the pair, but it was a text message in June that prompted the 28-year-old to go on strike in Brazil and accuse the club of treating him like a “criminal,” and at one stage threaten legal action to get the move to Atletico he wanted.
Conte has largely refused to discuss Costa this season, but last night when asked by Spanish reporters whether he will shake the hand of Costa, Conte replied: “Yes, as I said before, I have no problem with Diego Costa.
“I said that we wish, for him, the best for the future. We want to thank him for the last season. But, I repeat, I have no problem with him.”
All eyes will now be on Conte’s reaction tonight, if and when he is confronted by Costa in the tunnel area of Atletico’s newly-opened stadium.
Costa posted a goodbye to Chelsea fans on Instagram yesterday after his return to Atletico was formally confirmed by both clubs.
He wrote: “Some cycles begin while others end. My cycle began at Chelsea three years ago – three remarkable years – and I will never forget it. Two championship titles, a Community Shield, 120 matches, 59 goals and 24 assists later this cycle has ended.
“Not the way I would have wanted – far from it – but the best way possible. The wonderful fans of such equally admirable club and all team mates, as well as clinical, administrative and logistics staff will remain forever in my mind and in my heart.
“Will bring them with me in the certainty that I will always be by their side as well and I’m sure they will understand the reason why this cycle of mine has now ended – because I could not lose faith in myself. Thank you Chelsea for everything.”
Atletico are not expected to present Diego Costa to their fans on the pitch tonight, as they cannot officially sign him until their transfer embargo ends in January.
Source:www.express.co.uk