Antonio Conte has stated that the situation between Chelsea and Diego Costa was very clear in January.
Costa revealed last month that Conte had told him via text message that he was no longer needed at the club.
The Spain international was subject to speculation over a possible move to China at the turn of the year, which frayed the relationship between player and head coach.
Costa is keen on a return to Atletico Madrid, despite their transfer ban, with Alvaro Morata’s arrival this week expected to speed up the 28-year-old’s Stamford Bridge exit.
The forward has been left out of Chelsea’s pre-season squad for the trip to the Far East and while Costa insists he only found out about his future at the club June, Conte says that the former Atletico ace was aware of his situation at the club earlier in the year.
"I don't to like to talk about players that don't stay here, but the only thing I can tell you (is) in January, the Costa situation was very clear, for the club, for him and his agent," Conte is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
"For me the situation is closed.”
Costa was Chelsea’s top scorer in the Premier League last season as his 20 goals helped the Blues to the title.
