Blues superstar Diego Costa claimed that he is no longer a part of Antonio Conte’s plans at Chelsea.
Costa told the reporters after Spain’s friendly clash with Colombia on Wednesday night – that he is not wanted at Chelsea anymore.
The Spanish striker claimed that Blues boss Conte texted him to let him know that he is not in his plans for the next season.
Costa said: “Conte has sent a message saying that he does not want me.”
“If they don’t want me there, I’ll have to search for a team.”
Costa has been under the radar of Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian and the Spanish striker was believed to be unhappy after Chelsea had blocked a mega offer from Chinese club in January.
The Chelsea hierarchy were keen on offering Costa a new deal before Christamas, but that was stalled after the Spaniard had a bust-up with Antonio Conte in January.
Costa was heavily linked with a return to his former club Atletico Madrid this summer but such a move now seems impossible because of their transfer ban.
He added: “To go to Atleti would be nice but I have to think about it.”
“This is a World Cup year and I cannot be not playing for three or four months.”
“I thought I had a good season but it seems that we didn’t win after all.”
Chelsea are now keen on roping in Everton contract rebel Romelu Lukakau to replace Costa but the Blues hierarchy would have to splurge a world record £100million in order to land the Belgian at Stamford Bridge.
Costa was on the bench on Wednesday night as Alvaro Morata, who is heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, clinched a late equaliser for a 2-2 draw.
Costa displayed incredible form with 20 goals to his name in the Premier League as the Blues were crowned champions in Conte’s debut campaign in England.
