Monday 14 August 2017 18:26, UK
Diego Costa has been fined two weeks' wages by Chelsea for failing to return to pre-season training with the club last month.
The striker is currently in his hometown in Brazil and has suggested in an interview with the Daily Mail that he feels Chelsea are blocking his desired move back to former club Atletico Madrid.
It is understood the fine is in the region of £300,000.
In his Mail interview, Costa also criticised Antonio Conte for telling him via a text message earlier this summer that he was no longer wanted at the club.
Costa also threatened to see out the remainder of his contract at Stamford Bridge, but that would mean staying away for two years to allow him to leave the club on a free transfer.
He said: "If I have to I will stay in Brazil. I am open to being a year in Brazil without playing, even if Chelsea fine me for a year and don't pay me. I'll come back stronger. If I was in the wrong, I'd go back now and do as they say."
Costa has not been to Chelsea's training ground at Cobham since they won the Premier League title in May and there have been reports the club have been concerned he has been putting on weight in order to lower their £50m valuation.
Atletico Madrid want to re-sign the Spain international after he scored 54 senior goals in over 100 appearances at the club, before selling him to Chelsea for £32m in 2014.
