The Herald

Blues order Costa to return

Diego Costa

LONDON. — Diego Costa has again been ordered to return to Chelsea with the club adamant that Atletico Madrid will not land the AWOL striker for a knock-down fee.

Costa revealed that he has been fined by Chelsea for failing to return to training after being given an extra week off at the start of pre-season, following Antonio Conte’s text message confirming he had no future at Stamford Bridge.

In an unsanctioned interview, Costa claimed he was prepared to spend an entire year in Brazil without being paid by Chelsea unless the club let him return to Atletico.

But Chelsea expect Costa to return the club and train, as per the terms of his contract.

The striker is currently in his native Brazil and has threatened to remain there rather than return to London, and then leave on a free transfer. — Sky Sports.