Chelsea fans appeared divided on Twitter after it emerged that that boss Antonio Conte had text messaged striker Diego Costa declaring that he wouldn’t be part of the squad next season.
A report in the Telegraph stated that after Spain’s match against Colombia on Wednesday the Chelsea forward explained to reporters that he had been informed by the Blues manager there was no place for him in the team’s plans for next season.
Some fans sided with “ruthless” manager Conte and revealed they also wanted Costa out, while others commended the 28-year-old for his efforts throughout Chelsea’s Premier League title campaigns.
The 2016-17 season saw Costa play 35 times for his club’s pursuit of the Premier League silverware, and the Spanish international player contributed 20 goals making him popular with some of the fans.
This is Futbol has gathered the best reactions from Twitter:
Completely behind Conte with the Costa decision. Served us well for the most but you can never depend on a man like that. Wish him well.
— Gus Mears ?? (@gusmears1905) June 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/HazardEdition/status/872585653590122498
https://twitter.com/Kantedote/status/872875900236431361
https://twitter.com/Pogbesquee/status/872848392640229377
We have Hazard from 2012, didn't win anything remarkable till Costa joined. Doesn't tell the complete story but shows how imp he has been.
— – (@Kushalcfc) June 8, 2017
Absolutely gutted with the news about Costa. The man on his day is the best striker around. Passion, fight and hunger. Old school. Sad!
— George Benson (@MrGeorgeBenson) June 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/JoeTweedie/status/872775304267345920
https://twitter.com/amcgovern25/status/872753225547558913
I understand Conte's logic for next season. He has big ambitions and he need 100% of his squad, physic and spirit. Costa can't. #CFC
— François Piraux (@F8Piraux) June 8, 2017
Costa acting like a victim lmao. Get out of my club, man.
— Dami (@TheChelseaWay) June 8, 2017
A separate Telegraph report claim that the Chelsea striker is keen on rejoining Atletico Madrid, however owing to the club’s upheld transfer ban it meant that a move was unlikely.
Costa ventured to Stamford Bridge from La Liga giants back in 2014 and signed a long-term contract meaning he would remain at the club until June 2019.
However, while the drama unfolds for fellow clubs and fans to see, it is reported that the saga could also make it more difficult to sign Everton striker Romelu Lukaku this summer, who Chelsea are hoping to bring to the club next season.