Diego Costa says Chelsea are demanding a fee Atletico Madrid “can’t get near” for the Spain striker to complete his desired move back to his former club.
Costa, 28, remains in his native Brazil after being sent a text in June by boss Antonio Conte telling him he would not be part of the squad this year.
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The Blues signed Costa from Atletico for a reported £32m in July 2014.
“When I came to Chelsea they paid a lot less compared to what’s being offered to them,” Costa told ESPN Brasil.
He added that if Atletico do not make a “big effort” to sign him then he “can’t keep on wanting” to play for Diego Simeone’s side.
“I know that this [big effort] will happen, but if it’s to pay the amount that Chelsea want it won’t be possible,” he said.
“What I know is that this offer Chelsea will get is bigger than what they paid [when they signed Costa from Atletico for £32 million in July 2014], so I’ve given them something back in all senses [sporting and financial].”
Pressed on how much Chelsea are demanding in order to sell him, Costa replied: “I don’t know, but my agent said that Chelsea want something that Atletico can’t get near.
“When we heard that [Antonio] Conte didn’t want me anymore, my agent went to find out if there was interest from Atletico for me coming back.
“Of course for the warmth and respect that I earned there, they showed interest. But they wouldn’t pay a fortune. Atletico is a team growing every year, a big team, but they can’t pay an extraordinary amount.”
Costa argued that agreeing to let him go for a lower fee would be a fitting reward for three seasons at Stamford Bridge in which he has been the club’s top scorer three times and helped win two Premier League titles.
“Chelsea have offered me to several clubs, but I was very clear with them,” he added.
“I said that if I’m not part of the manager’s plans, I would like to choose my destination. I’m not going to let them decide just to get more money.
“When I came to Chelsea they paid a lot less compared to what’s being offered to them.
“I think they should take into account everything that I’ve done. It’s not my fault that I’m not at the club.
“If it was down to me I’d be playing. It’s already been one month. Holidays are good but it gets tiresome.
“I didn’t provoke the situation, but now that it’s come to this the club has to think in two ways.
“Of course they need to get something back [in a sporting sense], like I gave them on the pitch, but financial as well. After three years they will receive a fee higher than what they paid.”
