Conte insists Costa is ‘very happy’ at Chelsea

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has dismissed reports that Diego Costa has asked to leave Stamford Bridge.

Spanish media reports on Monday claimed Costa had handed in a transfer request and made it clear to Chelsea that he wanted to return to his former club Atletico Madrid.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo subsequently suggested that a deal to re-sign him from the Blues was “close”, only to later deny he had made the comments.

Conte said: “Diego Costa is our player. He’s a fantastic player with fundamental importance. He’s very happy and is working hard.”

Conte was speaking ahead of Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against RZ Pellets in Austria. 

“I’m very happy with our work. I have found that the players have the right attitude and they are great workers,” the Italian added.