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Diego Costa says he won't go back to Chelsea and 'must return to Atletico Madrid'

Diego Costa celebrates Chelsea's second goal against Stoke City
Image: Diego Costa will not return to Chelsea

Diego Costa has released a statement saying he will not return to Chelsea and he "must return to Atletico Madrid".

Costa is currently in his native Brazil and has threatened to remain there rather than return to London, and then leave on a free transfer.

Such a scenario is not acceptable to Chelsea, though, who want the player to return to training and put himself in contention for selection.

Chelsea's Italian head coach Antonio Conte (R) reacts as he congratulates Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa following the English Premie
Image: Antonio Conte reportedly texted Costa in June saying the striker was not in his future plans

In the statement, Costa said: "My destination has already been decided. I must return to Atletico Madrid.

"It turns out that there is the impasse that Chelsea do not want to release me. But I believe that this situation will be resolved now on my return to Spain."

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte reportedly texted Costa in June informing the striker he was not part of his future plans, and the striker has since remained in his native Brazil.

The 28-year-old's lawyer, Ricardo Cardoso, said last week his client intended to hand in a formal transfer request and is considering legal action against Chelsea in order to force through a move to former club Atletico.

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Chelsea's stance remains unchanged from Monday in that they want Costa to return to the club, return to training, get match fit and put himself in contention for selection.

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