After a disappointing second half to last season, Conte told the player he was surplus to requirements by text message, the contents of which Costa then made public. Costa is believed to have been absent without leave from Chelsea since the club flew to China for a pre-season tour in the middle of July. Play Video 0:35 Diego Costa says he will leave Chelsea after text message from Conte – videoCosta signed for Chelsea from Atlético in the summer of 2014 for £32m. He managed only 16 goals the following season (and 11 yellow cards) as Chelsea suffered a remarkable collapse. The appointment of Conte appeared to galvanise the forward once again with Costa scoring 15 goals before Christmas.

Source: The Guardian August 14, 2017 18:56 UTC