Diego Costa takes another swipe at Conte

Antonio Conte informed Diego Costa that he was surplus to requirements at Chelsea via text message earlier this summer, and since then the striker has not reported back to training with the Blues.

And now Costa has lashed another jibe aimed at the Chelsea boss, telling 'MC News': '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', Costa added.

'If something makes me sad about this situation, it's [the fans'] affection as they'd always supported me, even during the delicate moments', continued Costa, who is desperate to return to Atletico. 'If I'd been in the team for three years, it was for them and the dressing room, which was very much united. It was a great experience'.