Diego Costa set for awkward encounter as he comes face-to-face with Antonio Conte for first time since text row as he says goodbye to Chelsea team-mates in Atletico Madrid tunnel tonight
Pair have not seen each other since FA Cup final as Costa refused to return to England in a tense stand-off with boss
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DIEGO COSTA is set to meet Antonio Conte face-to-face tonight for the first time since the text ruck which ended his Chelsea career.
Rebel Costa’s £67million move from the Premier League champions to Atletico Madrid was rubber-stamped last night to draw a line under the summer long saga.
Chelsea boss Conte told his striker he had no future at the club via a text message when the pair fell out over summer fitness plans.
They have not seen each other since the FA Cup final defeat on May 27 and Costa refused to return to England in a tense stand-off with his manager.
The Champions League Group C fixtures have pitted Chelsea and Atletico together in a group match this evening.
Costa, 28, is now back at his former club in Spain and wants to see Conte and his old team-mates in the tunnel at the new Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Both men say they want to put an end to the simmering feud and move on - Conte said last week he would happily shake hands with his rebel striker.
Maverick Costa posted a poetic goodbye to his team-mates and Chelsea fans on Instagram last night, writing: “Some cycles begin while others end.
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“My cycle began at Chelsea three years ago – three remarkable years in all aspects – and I will never forget it.
“Two championship titles, a Community Shield, 120 matches, 59 goals and 24 assists later this cycle has ended. Not the way I would have wanted – far from it – but the best way possible.
“The wonderful fans of such equally admirable club and all team mates, as well as clinical, administrative and logistics staff will remain forever in my mind and in my heart.
“Will bring them with me in the certainty that I will always be by their side as well and I’m sure they will understand the reason why this cycle of mine has now ended – because I could not lose faith in myself. Thank you Chelsea for everything.”
Conte has refused to discuss Costa at length since the bust-up but did insist there was no lingering issue between the pair.
He said: “I have no problem with Diego Costa. I said that we wish, for him, the best for the future.
“We want to thank him for the last season. But, I repeat, I have no problem with him.”
