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.
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.
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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