Chelsea boss Antonio Conte never "concerned" Diego Costa would leave

Diego Costa celebrates scoring during the Premier League game between Manchester City and Chelsea on December 3, 2016
© SilverHub
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says that he was never "concerned" about Diego Costa leaving the club last summer.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has insisted that he was never "concerned" about losing Diego Costa last summer.

The striker recently admitted that he was close to leaving Stamford Bridge for a return to Atletico Madrid following the Blues' poor 2015-16 campaign.

However, the 28-year-old stayed put and has gone on to score 14 Premier League goals, making him the top flight's current top scorer.

"When Diego decided to stay, he said he wanted to fight for this club and for his shirt. I wasn't concerned," Conte told reporters in Tuesday's press conference.

"He is showing great patience in the right way, in every moment of the game. We are happy for this. He is completely focused on the game."

The Blues can stretch their lead at the top of the table to eight points if they overcome Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte gesticulates on the touchline during his side's Premier League clash with Hull City at the KCOM Stadium on October 1, 2016
Read Next:
Antonio Conte plays down title hype
>


Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Chelsea20161342152749
2Liverpool20135248232544
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs20126239142542
4Manchester CityMan City20133441221942
5Arsenal20125344222241
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd20116331191239
7Everton208662823530
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom208572824429
9Bournemouth207492934-525
10Southampton206681925-624
11Stoke CityStoke206682432-824
12Burnley2072112231-923
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham2064102335-1222
14Watford2064102336-1322
15Leicester CityLeicester205692431-721
16Middlesbrough204791722-519
17Crystal Palace2044123037-716
18Sunderland2043131937-1815
19Swansea CitySwansea2043132345-2215
20Hull City2034131744-2713
LIVE SCORES VIDEPRINTER
expand