Costa: I've done everything to return to Atletico

If he had it his way, Diego Costa would be back in Spain playing for Atletico Madrid.

Costa admitted he did "everything" to reunite with his former club, and made his feelings known to Antonio Conte after the Italian's appointment as Chelsea manager last summer.

Costa's unrest stemmed from a frustrating 2015-16 campaign in which he only managed to score 12 goals as Chelsea slid down the table to a 10th-place finish.

Speaking with Spanish outlet El Larguero, as translated by Sky Sports, Costa - who spent four seasons with Atletico - explained he was desperate for a return to the Spanish capital, but the move ultimately fell through and he was forced to make amends with Conte.

"Atletico knows I have a special feeling for the team, I lived the best moment of my career there. El Cholo (Diego Simeone) knows it wasn't impossible for me to come back to Atletico.

"The relationship with Conte didn't start well because when he arrived I told him I wanted to go to Atletico. Chelsea's fans love me a lot, even more than in Atletico, figure that!

"When Atletico had to wait for me they didn't, there was still a month to go in the transfer market.

"I've done everything to come back to Atletico Madrid but I wouldn't fight the same to return. When Atletico didn't wait for me, I had to go to Conte with the tail between my legs."

Following another episode during the winter transfer window when reports suggested he was involved in a training ground bust-up and was eager to pursue other opportunities, the uncertainty over his Chelsea future went dormant once again as the club pushes toward its second Premier League title in three seasons.

But Costa, who intends to fulfill the remaining two years left on his contract, remains open to all possibilities when his Chelsea career concludes, including a career in China.

" ... you never know. It's not impossible to reject it because there are things to assess. You have to think about it all. I do not rule out anything. If they come with something for Chelsea and the club tell me to go … I can go to China or elsewhere."

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)