Diego Costa: 'I must return to Atletico Madrid'

The Spaniard failed to report for pre-season training, with Blues boss Antonio Conte telling the 28-year-old he was not part of his plans for the upcoming season.

Costa is currently in his homeland of Brazil, holding out for a move to former club Atletico, but Chelsea have said they expect him back for training.

Any move to Atletico is made complicated by the Spanish club’s transfer embargo until January, although he can sign for Diego Simeone’s side after the summer window shuts on the condition that he waits until 2018 to play.

"My destination is already set," read Costa’s statement. "I must return to Atletico Madrid next season.

"It turns out that there is the impasse that Chelsea does not want to release me. But I believe that this situation will be resolved now on my return to Spain."

Chelsea are reportedly considering legal action against Costa as he continues to ignore the club’s requests to return.

Costa joined Chelsea in 2014 and has won two Premier League titles and a League Cup. He was also named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2015.