Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has insisted that Diego Costa remains a vital part of their squad, and indicated that the striker won’t be sold despite interest from Atletico Madrid.

Costa’s future at Chelsea has come under the scanner in recent days after it emerged that Atletico Madrid are plotting to take him back to the Vicente Calderon this summer.




The Spain international earned recognition with his performances under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid, and the Argentine coach has urged the club to re-sign the striker.

However, Conte has poured cold water on his Atletico Madrid counterpart’s plans to take Costa back to Spain this summer by insisting that the forward remains a player of ‘fundamental importance’ for Chelsea.
 


The Italian also added that the striker is happy and working hard ahead of the new season.  

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Conte said in a press conference: "Diego Costa is our player, he's a fantastic player with fundamental importance.

“He's very happy and is working hard."

Costa joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in 2014, and has scored 36 goals in 78 appearances for the Blues over the last two seasons.