Conte appeals to Chelsea fans over Costa

Antonio Conte has said that Chelsea fans should not boo Diego Costa against Hull on Sunday.

Costa is back in the squad after being left out for last weekend’s win at Leicester.

Blues boss Conte insisted Costa, 28, was not included after missing training because of a back problem.

The Italian has played down reports of a row between Costa and a member of the Chelsea coaching staff – and reports the striker has been made a huge offer to play in China.

Asked if Costa might be given a hostile reception by some fans, Conte said: “I don’t think this situation can happen. It’s not right.

“I repeat: Last week, he had this injury, this pain in his back. Now he came back with us.

“Our fans are really important, always, because they are great. They push a lot when we play at home. They push a lot when we play away.

“For us, for me, they are the 12th player on the pitch. They are a really important for us.”

Conte expects Costa to stay at Stamford Bridge and believes the Spain international wants to remain with the club.

“I think the player wants to stay with Chelsea and is very happy to play for us and this idea (moving to China) is far in his mind,” Conte said.

“He’s happy to stay and this is the most important thing. I don’t see any problem about him.”