Transfer rumors: Diego Costa returning to Atletico Madrid

It has been common knowledge for a while now that Diego Costa is set to leave Chelsea this summer. It was just a matter of where he was heading.

According to Ed Aarons of Guardian Sport, Diego Costa will announce his return to Atletico Madrid later today. Due to the transfer ban currently placed on Atletico Madrid, Costa can join but is not eligible to play until January.

Missing several months of play in a World Cup year is not the most ideal situation. The only way to maintain form and shape is to play, and sitting on the bench could be detrimental. However, if Costa is unhappy and causes problems at Chelsea, Antonio Conte will bench him. So maybe being in a city and with a team he actually enjoys, could actually be helpful.

Costa’s affection for Atletico, where he really got his start, is something he wears on his sleeve. In multiple interviews during last season Costa admitted he would love to return to Atletico Madrid. He has a solid relationship with current manager Diego Simeone, and he loves the city.

The Spaniard’s production is evident; there is no disputing that he is a talented striker. It is the baggage that comes with him that makes him unattractive. He is a diva and a poor teammate, making him expendable in Conte’s eyes. With the signing of Romelu Lukaku seemingly imminent, Chelsea are in good position to offload Costa.

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Earlier this summer there were reports that Conte messaged Costa and told him that he was not a part of Chelsea’s future. Regardless if this is actually true or not, Costa really does not have a future in London. He has never been committed to being a Blue, and as a result, he is getting his wish of relocating. The announcement should come later Wednesday, and although the wait will be long, the pairing of Costa and Antoine Griezmann should have Atletico fans excited.