Conte: Costa's comeback performance ends speculation over future
As far as Antonio Conte is concerned, the questions about Diego Costa's future have been answered.
Chelsea's prolific striker returned to the starting XI on Sunday against Hull City - 10 days after reports emerged Costa had tangled with the club's coaching staff during a training session.
Heightening those rumours was the spectre of an alleged bid from a club in the cash-rich Chinese Super League, which was apparently ready to pay the 28-year-old an exorbitant £30 million per season.
He offered his own rebuttal of sorts Sunday at Stamford Bridge, scoring the first of Chelsea's two goals in an eventual 2-0 victory.
Related: Embattled Costa scores on return as Chelsea tops Hull City
"I am pleased for him and for the fans and club. Today finished all types of speculation," Conte told BBC Sport afterward.
The Italian told reporters a back injury was the sole reason why Costa was excluded from last weekend's trip to Leicester City, not punishment for any attempt to force a transfer.
"In this situation I told always the truth. I am happy for him and to finish this speculation. He played, and played very well," added Conte. "A lot of people asked me about his form, his attitude, and I said I took the best decision for the team. I think I made the best decision after this performance."
Costa celebrated his goal with an apparent dig at the media, moving his hands to mimic a chirping motion.
His 15 Premier League goals are matched only by Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez.