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Chelsea striker Diego Costa wants return to Atletico Madrid

File photo dated 18-03-2017 of Chelsea's Diego Costa.
Image: Diego Costa is reportedly keen on a return to Atletico Madrid

Diego Costa has told Atletico Madrid he wants to sign for them again, according to Sky sources.

The Chelsea striker revealed on June 8 that he had received a message from manager Antonio Conte telling him he was not in his plans at Stamford Bridge for next season.

If Costa moved back to Atletico he would not be able to play until January because FIFA has banned them from registering players during this transfer window.

Costa, 28, scored 20 goals in 35 league appearances in their title-winning campaign last season,

The London club signed Costa from Atletico three years ago for £32m when Jose Mourinho was manager.

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Following Spain's 2-2 draw with Colombia at the beginning of the month, Costa said: "I'm a Chelsea player, but they do not want me there.

"Antonio Conte has told me by message that I do not follow at Chelsea and that's it. Conte said he did not count on me for next season.

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"It's a shame, I've already forwarded the message to Chelsea people to decide. But it is clear that the coach does not count on me and does not want me there."

Diego da Silva Costa celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Madrid CF vs Club Atletico de Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu
Image: Costa left Atletico in the summer of 2014

The Spain international has always stated a desire to one day return to Atletico where he played between 2010-2014.

Conte repeatedly said during the season he could not guarantee Costa would stay, but Conte continued to pick his top scorer in the Premier League finale.

Costa missed Chelsea's trip to Leicester in January when Sky sources said a training-ground row ended with Conte telling the player to "go to China".

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