Diego
Costa has been fined two weeks' wages by Chelsea for failing to return to
pre-season training with the club last month.
The striker is currently in his hometown in Brazil and has suggested in an
interview with the
Daily Mail that he feels Chelsea are blocking
his desired move back to former club Atletico Madrid.
It is understood the fine is in the region of £300,000.
In his Mail interview, Costa also criticised Antonio Conte for telling him
via a text message earlier this summer that he was no longer wanted at the
club.
Costa also threatened to see out the final year of his contract at Stamford
Bridge by staying in Brazil for the next 12 months and then leaving the club
on a free transfer.
He said: "If I have to I will stay in Brazil. I am open to being a year in
Brazil without playing, even if Chelsea fine me for a year and don't pay me.
I'll come back stronger. If I was in the wrong, I'd go back now and do as
they say."
Costa has not been to Chelsea's training ground at Cobham since they won the
Premier League title in May and there have been reports the club have been
concerned he has been putting on weight in order to lower their £50m
valuation.
Atletico Madrid want to re-sign the Spain international after he scored 54
senior goals in over 100 appearances at the club, before selling him to
Chelsea for £32m in 2014.
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