Antonio Conte’s decision to dump his top
scorer by text — and Diego Costa’s reaction to go public on the private
exchange — has stunned the Chelsea board and is set to cost them
millions.
It is hard to
envisage a way back at Stamford Bridge for Costa after this latest
episode in a stormy relationship with Conte. The manager’s own rogue
activities will certainly damage his club’s negotiating stance.
Would-be
buyers now know Chelsea are desperate to sell, as do those who might
sell the Premier League champions a replacement — such as Everton, who
are less likely than ever to reduce their £100million valuation of
Romelu Lukaku.
While
on holiday, Chelsea’s manager sent a goodwill message to all his
first-team players wishing them a happy time with their families and
reminding them to do some physical activity and stay in shape.
Costa
fired off a reply, not thought to have been openly provocative but
enough to irritate Conte. The Italian sent back a message which left his
striker in no doubt that he is no longer part of his plans.
Costa
reported the text exchange to the club and he received a message
relayed back from director and chief transfer negotiator Marina
Granovskaia telling him to back off and leave the negotiations to her.
On
Wednesday, after he was an unused substitute in Spain’s 2-2 draw with
Colombia, Costa came out of the dressing room and revealed all to the
Spanish media about his ‘bad’ relationship with Conte.
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