Chelsea striker Diego Costa says he has been told by manager Antonio Conte that he is no longer wanted by the club.
The 28-year-old scored 20 goals in 35 Premier League games last season and was Chelsea’s top scorer on their way to the title, but he now appears set to leave Stamford Bridge.
“I’m a Chelsea player, but they do not want me there,” Costa told reporters while on international duty for Spain.
“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.”
Costa joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid for around £32m in 2014.
The attacker had been strongly linked to make a return to the Madrid club, but that move is unlikely with the Spanish side’s transfer ban in operation.
“I love living in Madrid, but I have to think about my future. It’s complicated because I cannot go four or five months without playing. I have no preference for a league, I just want to play,” said Costa.
Costa has also been repeatedly linked with a move to the Chinese Super League, with side Tianjin Quanjian showing interest.
Chelsea are interested in Everton’s Romelu Lukaku, and are willing to sell Costa to fund a potential £90million deal for the Belgian, who is also keen to return to his former club.
“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,” said Costa
“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.”
