Conte thanks departing Costa for contribution
BENGALURU: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has thanked Diego Costa for his contribution at Stamford Bridge, after the club agreed a move for the striker with Atletico Madrid.
Costa scored 52 English Premier League goals to help Chelsea lift two titles in three years before Conte told the 28yearold via text message earlier this year he was no longer needed at the club.
A statement from Chelsea on Friday said that it had agreed terms with the La Liga side for the transfer of Costa, with Spanish newspaper El Mundo saying the fee would be ¤55 million ($NZ90 million).
When asked whether his relationship deteriorated with the Spanish striker over the past few months, Conte chose to focus on the future of the club.
‘‘We want to thank him [Costa] for what he did with this club. We wish him all the best for the future,’’ the Italian told reporters.
‘‘The past is not important. If you did well in the past it’s OK but we have to work for the present and above all for the future.
‘‘I don’t forget that we won together last season. I repeat for sure we want to thank him for his effort last season, not only last season but the period he played for Chelsea.’’
Chelsea has a busy schedule this week, starting with Thursday’s trip to Atletico in the Champions League before hosting league leader Manchester City three days later.
‘‘This season it will be a big challenge for us, to face each competition with our squad and play every three days,’’ Conte added.
‘‘This type of situation will be very important for us to face in the right way. It won’t be easy to have these games very close.’’