Diego Costa sparks talk of Chelsea exit after suggesting he is unhappy living in London

It is the third time he has hinted at a Blues exit this season

Jack Austin
Monday 10 April 2017 07:53 EDT
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Costa has been linked with a move to China or a return to Atletico Madrid
Costa has been linked with a move to China or a return to Atletico Madrid (Getty)

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Diego Costa has, for the third time this season, fuelled talk of a move away from Chelsea by suggesting he is unhappy living in London.

The Brazilian-born Spaniard sparked transfer talk in January when he was offered wages of around £600,000-a-week, on top of a huge transfer fee, to move to Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian.

That was followed by a training-ground argument with Antonio Conte and his fitness coach before he was dropped.

He has since claimed his is happy at Stamford Bridge – which he still maintains – but has now said it does not necessarily mean he is happy living in London.

“I am happy at Chelsea, I am not necessarily saying that I am happy with my life in London. But that is something totally different. It has nothing to do with it.

“I have another two years on my contract. I am always very honest with those close to me. I tell them that I am very happy at Chelsea.

“The club gives me a lot, the fans, the team-mates. I am in a team that is winning and that motivates me even more.

“Last season was not the best, not just for me but for other players and for Chelsea. This year I hope will be different, that we win titles.

“If you are in a team that is winning, you always want to stay, for the allotted amount of time.”

Costa, who has led the line brilliantly for the Blues this season and contributed 17 Premier League goals in the process, was also keen on a return to Atletico Madrid last summer but the move failed to materialise when Chelsea were unable to bring in a replacement.

However, they look set to move for either Romelu Lukaku or Alvaro Morata this summer in order to swell their squad size for their return to the Champions League, meaning Costa could be free to leave if the right players are signed.

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