Costa slams Conte for forcing him out of Chelsea in 2017

Diego Costa has fired at former Chelsea coach Antonio Conte after he was forced to Stamford Bridge in 2017.

This comes as Costa made a return to Stamford Bridge with his new club Wolves on Saturday.

Costa during his time at Chelsea scored 59 goals in 120 matches, helping the west London side win two Premier League titles and the League Cup.

However, during the summer of 2017, then-Chelsea coach Conte told Costa he was no longer part of his plans and the football star subsequently returned to his former club Atletico Madrid.

Speaking to reporters after his overwhelming reception at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Costa stressed that his issues are with the current Tottenham manager rather than the Blues fans.

“It was special,” Costa told ESPN Brazil. “Feeling that you did your job when you were here and then leaving with good memories.

“Receiving this affection from the Chelsea fans… I’ve always had affection. I have nothing to complain about the Chelsea fans. When I was here, they always treated me well.

“It wasn’t the fans. It was with that coach… Conte. I had a very good relationship with the Chelsea fans. I was a champion! It was in the year that we won the second title. Conte didn’t count on me as much and I couldn’t stay.

“The affection I received today shows that I was never fighting with the fans. But I had to leave. It wasn’t my issue.

“It was because of the coach at that moment. Today is proof that the crowd has always been by my side and had affection for me.”