Antonio Conte didn't back down and responded to Diego Costa's criticism
The Italian strategist argued that it was Costa himself who wanted to leave Chelsea. Antonio Conte hinted that Costa disappeared after fleeing Chelsea
In the 2017 Chelsea Premier League champions, it seems some issues remained unresolved. Diego Costa recently spoke about his poor relationship with Antonio Conte, the manager of that English team. In less than a week, the Italian manager responded to his criticisms. Diego Costa asserted that no one at Chelsea wanted Antonio Conte in the dressing room. The Brazilian striker explained that Antonio Conte lost the trust of his players because of his personality. The Italian manager was questioned about this and was blunt in his response. “Honestly, I’m not someone who wastes energy reading what people say in the newspaper… I know very well that around football there are intelligent people, clever people, and stupid people,” Conte said in a press conference before the final Champions League matchday. Diego Costa explained that Antonio Conte dismissed him when he intended to stay at Chelsea. However, Antonio Conte told a different story. The Italian coach recalled that it was the Brazilian who repeatedly insisted on leaving the team after winning the Premier League. “Diego Costa played with me for one season, so I can speak about football… I think we won the league together, and he wanted to leave three times in the same season. After Chelsea, I don't know what happened to him,” he recalled. Years have passed, and both remain active, each in their own role within football. Antonio Conte currently manages Napoli; the Italian recently suffered a setback, being eliminated in the first round of the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, “Lagarto” Costa has not yet retired, but the Brazilian striker is currently without a team after his contract with Gremio expired in 2025.

