Conte (L) managed Diego Costa (R) at Chelsea
Spanish international Diego Costa has lifted the lid on his dramatic Chelsea exit, revealing that a blunt text message from Antonio Conte ended his Stamford Bridge career.
The 37-year-old former striker, who fired Chelsea to the Premier League title in the 2016/17 season under Conte, said he was stunned to learn that he was no longer part of the Italian’s plans through a simple message while on holiday in Brazil.
Costa had just finished a campaign in which he scored 20 league goals in 35 appearances, playing a crucial role in Chelsea reclaiming the title after failing to defend it the previous season.
Signed in 2014 for £32 million, the Spain international went on to net 58 goals in 120 games for the Blues, winning two Premier League titles and a League Cup.
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“I went on holiday and had the chance to renew with Chelsea. But then I sent a text message to Conte to know if he will count on me next season. Conte replied, ‘Thank you very much for everything you have done, but I’m not counting on you,” Costa revealed.
The former Chelsea striker then launched a scathing attack on Conte’s personality and man-management style.
“He’s a person who doesn’t trust others. He thinks he knows everything. You don’t enjoy training with him. He’s always angry, always with a long face. He is a very bitter guy. That’s why he didn’t last long,” he added.
Watch the video below:
😡 ‘HE’S A VERY BITTER GUY’
It’s fair to say Antonio Conte is NOT on Diego Costa’s Christmas card list. 👀
— The Obi One Podcast (@obionepodcast) January 22, 2026
FKA/JE
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians celebrate Senegal’s AFCON triumph
