Chelsea insist Diego Costa has known about the club’s decision to sell him since January and accuse his lawyer of making “nonsense” claims otherwise.
Reports earlier in the summer suggested Chelsea boss Antonio Conte had told Costa he was no longer in his plans via text message, prompting the striker’s legal representative to criticise the Blues for their alleged conduct and threaten a transfer request.
However, a club spokesman riposted: “If I may I would like to say something on behalf of the club
“We don’t usually respond to comments of this nature, but I think we should do on this occasion.
“The premise the lawyer has put forward is just wrong. As Antonio has said, I think this is worth repeating, that the decision on Diego was made back in January.
“The player knew the decision, the agent knew the decision, and clearly the lawyer has not been well informed.
“So, the lawyer’s argument that Antonio has forced the player out by text message in June is just nonsense.
“As a club we’re going to leave it there and see what the window brings.”
