Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte Thanks Departing Costa

Antonio Conte has thanked Diego Costa for his contribution to Chelsea's history in his three years at Stamford Bridge. Costa's 52 Premier League goals helped secure two titles in three years before a summer text message from Conte called time on his Chelsea career.

A fee has now been agreed for the Spain striker to return to Atletico Madrid in the winter transfer window, and Costa this week insisted he bears no grudge over his treatment.

The pair's sole season together was punctuated by a training-ground row at the start of the year but ended with the title, and speaking ahead of Saturday's game against Stoke, Conte said: "I don't forget that we won together.

"I repeat - for sure we want to thank him for his effort last season, not only last season but in the period he played for Chelsea."

The Blues boss ignored repeated invitations to expand on his feelings towards Costa, insisting "the past is not important" and preferring instead to talk about several of his current players.

Among those up for discussion were Eden Hazard, and Conte confirmed his playmaker is back in contention for a regular starting spot having lasted 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.

Hazard was part of a mix-and-match line-up featuring young players Kenedy and Charly Musonda, who both scored in a 5-1 win.

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