Chelsea warn Atletico Madrid: Hands off star Diego Costa or we’ll report you to Fifa
Angry Blues write new complaint amid claims the Spaniards are behind noises that the striker is 'close' to rejoining them
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CHELSEA will report Atletico Madrid to Fifa if they continue their pursuit of star striker Diego Costa.
The Blues have written a second complaint to the Spaniards, expressing fury at noises allegedly coming out of Madrid suggesting Costa is ‘close’ to re-signing for Diego Simeone’s side.
But Atletico president Enrique Cerezo denied making the declaration after quotes were attributed to him in the Spanish media.
A Chelsea source said: “We’re writing to them again, a second time, but if this continues there are further options open to us, which includes reporting them to Fifa. We sincerely hope it does not go that far.”
And Blues boss Antonio Conte called for Atletico to stay quiet over Costa.
Conte said: “It is normal to ask for respect.
“I don’t know this situation but I know myself, my attitude and behaviour, that I don’t like to speak about the players of other clubs.
“I’d like that others don’t speak of the players of my team. I know this period is strange. We respect all — but we want respect.”
Spain hitman Costa, 27, who signed for Chelsea from Atletico for £32million two years ago, has told Conte he is happy to stay and will give him everything this season.
Conte added: “Diego has not put in a transfer request and is our player.
“He has shown that he is the strongest striker in the world. I’m sure that also when he gets into this idea of football he can score a lot of goals for us.”
When asked if Costa was certain to stay at Chelsea next season, Conte said: “I have learned 100 per cent can never exist.”
