The former Atletico Madrid striker, who scored 26 goals in 46 games for the Premier League champions last season, had been strongly linked with a return to (the Rojiblancos this summer before their transfer ban while a big money move to China has long been mooted.
And Costa claims Conte has messaged him already this offseason to tell him he is no longer needed at Stamford Bridge.
“I’m a Chelsea player, but they do not want me there,” he said after Spain’s 2-2 draw with Colombia on Wednesday night, June 7. “Antonio Conte has told me by message that I do not follow at Chelsea and that’s it. Conte said he did not count on me for next season.
“It’s a shame, I’ve already forwarded the message to Chelsea people to decide. But it is clear that the coach does not count on me and does not want me there. You have to find a team.”
The striker has his heart set on a return to Atletico Madrid, though that move would be delayed due to the Spanish club’s transfer embargo.
“It would be nice to return to Atletico, but it is difficult to be four-five months without playing,” Costa added in quotes reported by Marca. “Being five months without playing? I do not know, it’s complicated, but people know that I love Atletico a lot and that I love living in Madrid.
“It would be nice to go back, but it’s difficult to be four-five months without playing. It’s a World Cup year and there’s a lot to think about. I need to play, that’s all. “
