By Dave Marshall
Chelsea striker Diego Costa reveals he has been in touch with Jose Mourinho.
The Spaniard is looking for a way out of the Stamford Bridge after staying a while on the fringe, with the Manchester United manager backing him up.
The 28-year-old reportedly received a text message from Antonio Conte in June informing him he has been excluded from the Blues plan for this season and the Italian coach in Saturday’s pre-match press conference told reporters he plans to send the striker away in January.
Despite both sides ready to bid one another goodbye, there has so far been no indication of a deal coming through for the player anytime soon. Costa claims Chelsea has been treating him like a criminal this summer, as he pushes for a return to Atletico Madrid, and confirms former manager Mourinho empatises with his situation.
“Jose has called me, direct to my phone, just to check I am OK and to see how I am. He wished me good luck,” the 28-year-old told the Daily Mail.
“I never had any problems with Jose, we have a strong relationship.
“Everyone was very sad when things didn’t work out in the end for him at Chelsea.”
The news of the conversation between the two was met with different reactions by the Man United fans on twitter:
@diegocosta to @ManUtd ??? #MUFC
— Matt (@MattHone06) August 14, 2017
United should sign @diegocosta just to fuck with @ChelseaFC #MUFC
— Akhil (@Roo_nited) August 14, 2017
@ManUtd why don't we take @diegocosta just to kill off this @ChelseaFC fans the more? #MUFC
— Sunday Asekome (@TrueFan_MUFC) August 14, 2017
#MUFC I feel happy am not rich bcoz I could av afford using weed which CONTE smokes that makes him sell Diego COSTA and MATIC at once.
— warlord (@kelvinoyando) August 13, 2017
Jose Mourinho can sign Diego Costa for Manuchester United, They love each other very much #PL
— Zoe Dorren AkwaUgo (@Dorren06) August 14, 2017
@diegocosta @talkSPORTDrive I'm a United fan an all I can say is … Costa … Wanka !
— Mark Cunliffe (@allworkedup) August 14, 2017
We (Manchester United) want Diego Costa.
— Brandon Smoko [TeEm] (@Smoky21_) August 14, 2017
Costa also says he is still very much loved by his colleagues at Stamford Bridge and Conte seems to be the only one eager to see him make an exit.
A highly controversial player, Costa has been praised for his ease of finding the net, recording 20 goals for Chelsea in the Premier League last season as they claimed the Premier League title.
The two would do well to resolve their issues. Conte was able to calm his aggression last season and still get good returns. Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone might not be able to manage his provocative and violent behavior as effectively as Conte. However, we are quite sure he would not be coming to Manchester United.
He can f*** right off. A good player, but a nasty one. Not needed now.