Atletico Madrid Chief Plays Down Diego Costa Speculation & Claims He Has Barely Spoken to Him
Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo has claimed that he has barely been in contact with Chelsea's wantaway star Diego Costa since he left Spain in 2014.
Speaking to AS, Cerezo has dismissed claims that a move for Costa back to Madrid is imminent, while acknowledging the recent video in which the outcast striker was seen wearing the Rojiblancos shirt.
Cerezo said: “Costa is a Chelsea player at the moment, and you know for a long time now that we cannot sign anyone (this summer),”
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Diego Costa of Chelsea scores his sides first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Mike Hewitt/GettyImages
“This [Costa's video] shows that pyjamas come in all different colours. Everyone can put on whichever ones they want.
“Diego is a magnificent player, a great player, he was in Spain for many years. He has had a good spell in England, learned English, English customs."
“It is a long time since I spoke with him. At least a year, since he left here. I have seen him with the [Spanish] national team, but spoken to him very little.”
Costa is strongly expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, after being informed by manager Antonio Conte via text message that he was no longer required by the Premier League champions.
After initially struggling to find a replacement, the Blues now look have secured the signing of Real Madrid hitman Alvaro Morata in a move that could rise to over £70m, hastening Costa's exit.
And Costa added further fuel to the fire by appearing in an Instagram video over the weekend where he partied in an Atleti shirt and suggesting teammate Cesc Fabregas should pass his regards to Conte.
Costa top scored for the Blues in their return to summit of the Premier League last season, bagging 20 goals in 34 league games, with 52 total goals in 89 appearances for the Blues following his initial move from Atleti in 2014.
And, following a mid season falling out between Costa and Conte, stemming from a potential move to China, the 28-year-old Spanish international is determined to make a return to Diego Simeone's side, where he initially burst through on the European stage.
