Diego Costa NOT returning to Chelsea for showdown talks – as exiled striker is spotted in Brazilian hometown
The Spanish striker has not returned to the Blues' Cobham training ground, and has not been back to London since last season
DIEGO COSTA has NOT returned to Chelsea and is still in Brazil as his summer exile continues, it can be revealed.
The Spanish striker has not returned to the Blues' Cobham training ground, and has not been back to London since last season.
He had not been seen in nearly two weeks, and was thought to be returning as Antonio Conte tries to heal the rift between the pair.
But the Brazil-born ace has been pictured driving in his home town of Lagarto, going into the FOURTH month of his summer break away.
The 28-year-old was spotted in his Mercedes SUV, on the same day Blues chiefs moved his luxury Range Rover from the first-team car park at Cobham.
It was then dumped into the youth team area as the row between club and player continues with another bitter twist.
Costa is furious with the way Chelsea handled the transfer window, as he was desperate to join former club Atletico Madrid in a £49m deal.
He has already been AWOL for the first month of this season, with Conte no longer considering him in his plans for the campaign ahead.
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Reports had suggested he was to come back to London to face the wrath of Chelsea bosses after the turbulent last few months.
A source said: "Costa is still in his home town, and it's his fourth month away on his summer break. He isn't on his way back yet.
"It's the first time he has been seen since August when he was spotted playing football with friends. He looked very relaxed.
"He is a legend in the town. He is generous both in time and money with the area and its people.
"He was seen stopping his car on the way into his garage to talk to local kids as it absolutely poured down with rain. He is very friendly."