Conte willing to shake Costa's hand at Atletico Madrid

Antonio Conte won't hesitate to extend a hand at Atletico Madrid.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Champions League game between Atleti and Chelsea, Conte said he doesn't have a problem with Diego Costa, who claimed in June that he was sent a message by the Italian manager in which he was told he wasn't wanted at Stamford Bridge.

Atleti and Chelsea agreed on the conditions for Costa's transfer, which will take effect on January 1, 2018.

Asked if he'd be willing to shake Costa's hand should they meet at the Wanda Metropolitano, Conte answered, according to the Guardian's Dominic Fifield: "Yes, as I said before, I have no problem with Diego Costa. I said that we wish, for him, the best for the future. We want to thank him for last season. But, I repeat, I have no problem with him."

Per the Guardian, Costa's relations with Conte were damaged in January. The striker reportedly had his head turned by a big-money offer from the Chinese Super League that quickly vaporised. The tactician and Chelsea allegedly sat down with the footballer and his agent - Jorge Mendes - and agreed to let him leave the Blues in the summer transfer window. But the player's version tells a different story, in which he was deemed surplus to requirements.

Numerous clubs were reportedly alerted to Costa's availability, but he desired a return to Atleti in order to be reunited with Diego Simeone.

Chelsea kicked off its Champions League adventure with a 6-0 demolition of Qarabag FK on the first matchday, while Atleti played out a scoreless draw at AS Roma on the same day.