Conte confirms ‘fantastic Costa’ is going nowhere

Antonio Conte has given an update on the future of Chelsea striker Diego Costa.
Antonio Conte has given an update on the future of Chelsea striker Diego Costa. (Picture: Twitter)

The pantomime villain that is Diego Costa will continue to “entertain” crowds in the Premier League next season as Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has confirmed he is staying.

The Spain international has been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid with the La Liga club’s president Enrique Cerezo claiming on Monday that “we’re close to signing him”.

However, a day later Cerezo denied making those comments saying “I do not speak of players at other clubs”.

Blues boss Conte has now put the matter to bed by stating the 27-year-old striker won’t won’t be leaving Stamford Bridge during the transfer window.

“Diego is our player,” the Italian told Chelseafc.com.

“He is a fantastic player, a player with a fundamental importance and there is no problem.

“He stays with us, he is working very hard, he is very happy to work with his team-mates and with me in the new idea of football. He is a Chelsea player.

“He is an important player, a very strong player, one of the best in the world, and I am sure when he goes into our ideas he will score a lot of goals for us.”

Meanwhile, Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado will return to Chelsea after a season-long loan at Juventus.

“Cuadrado is Chelsea’s player. I like him. He arrived today and this afternoon he starts to train with us,” Conte added.