Costa: I went to Conte ‘with my tail between my legs’

Matt Stead

Diego Costa admits that he tried to engineer a move to Atletico Madrid last summer, but has learned from his mistakes.

Costa has endured something of a tumultuous season under the guidance of Antonio Conte, who was appointed manager in the summer.

The striker has scored 17 goals for the Premier League leaders this campaign, but was reported to have almost left the club in January after a row with the manager.

In an interview with Cadena Ser, the 28-year-old says that was not the first time he came close to exiting Stamford Bridge.

“My relationship with Conte didn’t start well because, on his arrival, I told him I wanted to go to Atletico Madrid,” he said.

“Atletico didn’t wait for me when they should have waited for me, and I did everything to return to Atletico.

“When Atletico didn’t wait for me, I had to go to Conte with my tail between my legs.

“If Atletico wanted me, they had to wait, to not be afraid. There was still a month to go, but that didn’t happen.

“I am not angry or anything. But, at that moment, I did everything to come. I won’t fight like that again.”