Chelsea exile Costa stands firm: 'I must return to Atletico Madrid'
As far as Diego Costa's concerned, a return to Atletico Madrid is inevitable.
The quarrelsome striker has voluntarily made himself an outcast at Chelsea after manager Antonio Conte informed him via text message he was no longer wanted at Stamford Bridge. Costa has been staying in his native Brazil, reportedly receiving a £300,000 fine from the Blues for his unauthorised four-week break from training.
His failure to report to Cobham's practice pitches - potentially with the reserve team or on his own - seems to be part of the 28-year-old's drive to join Atleti, the club he left for London in 2014.
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"My destination has already been decided. I must return to Atletico Madrid," he said in a statement, as reported by Sky Sports.
"It turns out that there is the impasse that Chelsea do not want to release me. But I believe that this situation will be resolved now on my return to Spain."
Costa's desperation to play for Atleti is certainly flattering, but Diego Simeone already has a strong attacking contingent in the Spanish capital. Should he return, Costa will battle with Antoine Griezmann, Kevin Gameiro, Fernando Torres, Luciano Vietto, and Angel Correa for minutes. He would also be out of commission until January, when Atleti's transfer ban is lifted.
He does offer some undeniable scoring pedigree, however - he boasts 52 goals over 89 Premier League appearances - and has developed into a more selfless player during his England stay.