Chelsea head coach, Antoni Conte, has revealed he won't have any problem shaking the hands of Spanish striker, Diego Costa, when Chelsea and Atletico Madrid clash in the UEFA Champions Legue this season.
Costa, 28, completed his long wanted move to former club, Atletico Madrid on Thursday, bringing an end to his long feud with Conte after the striker revealed that he was informed by the coach that he was surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge via a text message.
Costa's
goals helped Chelsea win the English premier league title last season, but
following a standoff with Conte, he was informed by the coachh to find another
club at the end of last season which led Costa to go on strike in his homeland
after he was ordered to train with the reserve team following his refusal
to join Chinese club in the summer.
Costa finally joined Atletico on Thursday but Conte claims he'll
have no problems greeting the powerful striker despite the nature of his exit.
"I don't forget that we won together.'
Conte told reporters on Friday evening's press conference..
"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."
“Yeah, I would have no problem [shaking Costa’s hand],” Conte
added. “I repeat, I think this is a lack of respect for my players [to talk
about Costa] because Diego is an Atletico player.
“I think every single player was important last season, we won the
title, we won the league, maybe it was a big surprise, and also to reach the
final of the FA Cup. For this reason, I think every player performed in a
fantastic way last season, I want to thank every single player who played
last season for Chelsea and for me.”
Diego Costa's 52 premier league goals over a three year period
ensured Chelsea won two premier league titles
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