Costa accuses Conte of mistreatment: 'He doesn't possess charisma'

Diego Costa painted Antonio Conte as a cold and distant manager who lacks "charisma" in a blistering rebuttal to the Italian boss.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Daily Mail's Adam Crafton, the 28-year-old explained why he thinks Conte removed him from his plans at Chelsea.

Costa said the problems began in January when he quarreled during a training session with fitness coach Julio Tous.

Related - Costa: Conte doesn't want me at Chelsea anymore

Conte subsequently dropped the fiery striker for a match against Leicester City, citing a back issue as the reason. Costa disputed that version of events.

Despite their differences, the Spanish international said he'd been prepared to sign a new contract with the Blues, only for Conte to block negotiations.

"I was on the brink of renewing my contract and they put the brakes on it," Costa added. "I suspect the manager was behind it. He asked for it to happen.

"His ideas are very fixed and clear. I have seen the sort of person he is. He has his own opinion and that will not change.

"I respect him as a great coach. He has done a good job and I can see that, but as a person, no. He is not a coach who is very close with his players. He is very distant. He doesn't possess charisma."

Related - Costa prefers Brazil stay over stint with reserves: 'I'm not a criminal'

In June, Costa told reporters he'd received a text message from Conte indicating he no longer had a place at Chelsea. The Brazilian-born poacher argued that was the first he heard about Conte's intentions, although the club claims Conte informed Costa as early as January.

Regardless of the time frame, the message left Costa reeling. He still has it on his phone.

"I was with the Spanish national team, alone in my room, when it came through. It was a shock to get it like that," he said. "I was showing it to my teammates and they could not believe how he had done it.

"I was angry at the time. Now I am more calm. I have not deleted the message. If people accuse me of lying, I can show them. It was clear, saying that he didn't count on me and wishing me the best for the future. Full stop."

Costa has since demanded a move to Atletico Madrid, which he represented from 2010-14.

"I am waiting for Chelsea to set me free. I didn't want to leave. I was happy," he said. "When the manager does not want you, you have to go."

Costa scored 20 top-flight goals last season as he won a second Premier League title.