Diego Costa has reignited his long-running feud with a former Chelsea manager. The striker has taken aim at his former boss, delivering a brutal verdict on their relationship.
They were once seen as the perfect pairing. Together, they drove Chelsea to the Premier League title in 2017, with Costa scoring 20 league goals and leading the line with his trademark aggression.
However, that partnership collapsed almost overnight. At the end of the title-winning season, the ex-Chelsea boss informed Costa that he was no longer part of his plans.
The message did not come face-to-face. Instead, it arrived via text. That decision still angers Costa.
Speaking on the John Obi Mikel Podcast, the 37-year-old claimed Antonio Conte’s attitude poisoned the atmosphere at the club and ultimately led to his downfall.
Costa explained that he had contacted Conte while on holiday to ask whether he would be counted on the following season. The reply made it clear that the door was closed.
According to Costa, the manner of the decision hurt more than the decision itself. He felt disrespected after everything he had done for the club.
He also raised the issue with Chelsea’s hierarchy at the time. The striker described Conte as someone who did not trust players.
As per Costa, Conte believed he knew everything, and created a tense environment at the training ground. He said sessions were joyless, with the manager constantly angry and distant.
Costa then delivered his most cutting line, suggesting Conte was a “very bitter guy” and joking that it showed in his personality away from football.
Despite the anger, Costa insisted he did not want to cause problems for Chelsea. That stance eventually led to his exit and return to Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, Costa reserved praise for Jose Mourinho, calling him the manager he enjoyed working with the most and someone who brought happiness back into daily training.
😡 ‘HE’S A VERY BITTER GUY’
It’s fair to say Antonio Conte is NOT on Diego Costa’s Christmas card list. 👀
— The Obi One Podcast (@obionepodcast) January 22, 2026
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