'I must return to Atletico Madrid'

In a statement released after a metting with the Football Association of his hometown in Lagarto, Costa said: 'My destination is already decided'.

'I must return to Atletico Madrid', he continued. 'It turns out that there is the impasse that Chelsea does not want to release me'.

The striker has been in exile since manager Antonio Conte told him via text message he was not part of his plans for the upcoming season.

After scoring 20 goals for the Premier League champions last term, the 28-year-old has not reported back to training as he pushes for a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Atletico are currently serving a transfer ban until January, which has likely stood in the way of Costa's return to the Spanish capital: 'But I believe that this situation will be resolved now on my return to Spain', Costa concluded.