Chelsea's Conte admits ignoring Diego Costa's substitution request

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says the decision to keep Diego Costa on the field was a risk, but one he had no problem taking as his team strolled to a 3-0 win over Leicester City on Saturday.

Costa currently sits at four yellow cards in eight Premier League appearances, meaning one more would see him suspended for the next match. Had that occurred against Leicester, Costa's suspension would have coincided with his reunion against former manager Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

As such, Costa looked to request a substitution midway through the second half - one that Conte ignored. The bench boss later explained to reporters why he chose to leave the bullish Spaniard on the field, even at risk of a possible suspension.

"If I can, Costa I keep him until the end," Conte said, as quoted by Sky Sports. "I can take the risk about this, for a yellow card or for injury. I decide.

"He must understand for this team he is a player with a great personality and if I can, I keep him on the pitch until the end in every game.

"I know I risked it, if he got another yellow card he would miss the game against Manchester United. But for me, today is more important."

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Costa's presence was certainly felt in the first half as the much-maligned target slipped past Wes Morgan to open the scoring in the seventh minute of play off a corner kick.

It accounted for his seventh goal in eight Premier League appearances thus far this season, along with a pair of assists.

For Conte, Costa's rejuvenated form makes him not just a clear starter, but a player he has no problem relying on when it matters.

"Diego is in good shape," Conte said, following yet another goal-scoring performance from the Spanish striker. "Costa is an important player to us. He has a good personality. We need his passion in every moment of the game."