Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has thanked striker Diego Costa for his service to Chelsea during his three years at the club.

Conte only managed Costa for one of those years, and the couple had numerous hiccups during that time with the latest of them supposedly pushing the Spanish international out of the club.

Costa managed 59 goals in 120 appearances for Chelsea during his time at the club, and helped secure the Premier League title for the Blues last season netting 20 goals.

But despite the fallout between the two, Conte has taken to his recent press conference in order to thank Costa for his time at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game against Stoke, Conte said: “I don’t forget that we won together.”

“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.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports]

The boss did not expand on those comments, despite repeated requests for him to do so – saying that “the past is not important”.

Instead, Conte discussed his team’s upcoming game against Stoke on Saturday, confirming that forward Eden Hazard will be in contention to start the game having played 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup on Wednesday.

So that is the last we will see of Diego Costa at Chelsea, at least for now. The forward has been a brilliant servant for the club and despite his short comings it must be noted that he will be remembered as a class striker.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Costa for his service to Chelsea and wish him all the best at Atletico Madrid.