DIEGO COSTA took a swipe at Antonio Conte – after getting a standing ovation from Chelsea fans.
Costa, 34, returned to Stamford Bridge yesterday in Wolves’ 3-0 defeat to Graham Potter’s Blues.
Diego Costa was applauded off the pitch as he returned to Chelsea with Wolves
Costa fell out with Antonio Conte before his Blues exit in 2017
But the fiery Spanish striker hit out at his former boss in West London with a brutal assessment of his controversial 2017 exit.
Costa fell out with Conte and quit the club under a cloud after 59 goals in 120 games before rejoining Atletico Madrid.
After the touching moment from the supporters, Costa could not resist a blatant dig at the Italian, now manager of Tottenham.
He said: “I’ve never had a problem with the fans.
“My problem was not with the crowd, it was with that coach.
“I left on bad terms with that manager, I left a champion for the second time, and he didn’t count on me.
“That was nothing I could do. I had to leave. Today showed that I did not leave on bad terms with the fans.
“It’s very special. It’s the feeling that in the time that you spent here, you did good work and left good memories.
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“Chelsea fans always treated me very well. I was always surprised by the way they treated me. It’s satisfying.”
Costa endured a frustrating afternoon on the pitch for Wolves and was subbed off by interim boss Steve Davis on 56 minutes.
And as he trudged around the pitch from the far side, Chelsea fans rose as one to sing his name and clap him off to show their appreciation – as Costa even high-fived a few of the home spectators and hugged former team-mate Cesar Azpilicueta.
But Davis had no qualms with the bizarre scenes.
He said: “I am not too concerned. The fact is he’s a legend here.
“His commitment is unquestionable. Having spoken to him through an interpreter, he understands some English.
“But you can see on the training ground that he wants to do well. It’s the physical side for him that’s missing at the moment.
“He is an infectious character, bubbly, and the players need that.”
Costa could not resist the clear swipe at Conte on Saturday
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