Diego Costa has announced he is set to leave Chelsea this summer after Antonio Conte told him he no longer wants him at the club, by leaving him a message.
Costa, 28, wants to quit Stamford Bridge to move back to Atletico Madrid, but that avenue has been blocked by the La Liga club’s transfer ban.
Chelsea want Everton’s Romelu Lukaku, who is keen on a return to his former club, and are willing to sell Costa to fund a potential £100million deal.
Now, the Premier League champions’ top scorer is convinced he will depart this summer after being told by Conte that he will not be his main man next season.
‘Conte has sent me a message telling me I’m not in his plans,’ Costa said after Spain’s 2-2 draw with Colombia on Wednesday night.
Apparently upset at the way he was told Costa added: ‘It seems I didn’t have a good season. It was just a simple message after all I’ve done for the club but if he doesn’t want me there then I will have to look for a [new] team.’
Asked if anyone else from Chelsea had contacted him Costa said: ‘No, but if the manager gets in contact with you to tell you that you are not wanted then you have to leave.’