Chelsea boss Conte avoids parting shot as Costa exits; Italian wants to forget the past and reignite Blues' title defence against Stoke City today
Spanish striker Diego Costa (left) is heading to Atletico Madrid after three seasons with Antonio Conte-managed Chelsea. Pic/Getty Images
Antonio Conte refused to take a parting shot at Diego Costa yesterday after Chelsea striker got his wish to rejoin Atletico Madrid. Blues boss Conte fell out with Costa following the Spain star's attempts to engineer a move away from Stamford Bridge last season. The row turned ugly when Conte sent Costa a text at the end of last term saying he was no longer part of his plans.
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With the personality clash becoming ever more acrimonious, Costa spent the last months of his time at Stamford Bridge in Brazil. Costa finally got what he wanted on Thursday as Chelsea and Atletico agreed a deal to send him back to Spain. Conte was given a chance to take a swipe at Costa when he was asked about the striker, but the Italian took the high road.
Conte thanks Costa
Conte thanked the departing striker for his contribution to the club and wished him well for the future. "We want to thank him for what he did with this club. We wish him all the best for the future," Conte said. "I think now it's not important (to talk about the past). I'm not interested to continue talking about this issue. Now it's not important."
The focus will now be on players still at Stamford Bridge and Hazard made his first start of the season in the 5-1 League Cup defeat of Nottingham Forest this week. Hazard had made just three appearances off the bench for the Blues this season after breaking his ankle at the end of last term. But his performance against Forest confirmed he is fully fit and his presence at the bet365 Stadium for a testing meeting with Stoke will be invaluable.
Formidable Potters
Conte is well aware of the Potters' strengths and insists there is no way he will take the game lightly as Chelsea attempt to close the three-point gap to leaders Manchester City. "Now, it's very important to prepare. It is a very important game for us," Conte said. "This season Stoke have won at home against Arsenal and drawn against Manchester United. We must be ready."
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