Diego Costa has sent shockwaves through the Chelsea fanbase after opening up on the dramatic breakdown of his relationship with former Blues manager Antonio Conte, revealing how a single text message somehow ended his time at Stamford Bridge, Softfootball reports.
Speaking in an exclusive sit-down with John Obi Mikel on The Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea striker revisited the events that led to his abrupt departure, despite being one of the club’s most important players at the time. Costa was a key figure under Conte during Chelsea’s title-winning campaign, finishing as the club’s top scorer, making the manner of his exit all the more controversial.
According to the Obi One Podcast, Costa said:
“I went on holiday, I had a chance to renew with Chelsea but then I sent a text message to Conte. ‘Boss! I want you know if will count me next season’ and he replied via text too ‘Diego thank you very much for everything you have done but am not counting on you.’ He has something inside because it’s not normal… Top scorer. I sent the message to Marina and she immediately told me that what he did could not be done, that he was not owner of team. In the end, I was in Brazil with my family and I’ve told Marina for everything I have done for club I don’t deserve being treated like this. He is a person who doesn’t trust others. He thinks he knows everything. You don’t enjoy training with him. He is angry, always with a long face. Probably he doesn’t have sex at home because he’s very bitter guy. It’s a shame because I was happy in Chelsea but I did not want to cause problem for the club.
Watch the video below:
Costa’s comments offer a rare and brutally honest insight into Conte’s man-management style, one that has often divided opinion throughout his managerial career. The revelation also reinforces long-standing debates around how Chelsea have handled player-manager relationships over the years.
Chelsea’s managerial carousel has only continued in recent seasons. The club recently appointed Liam Rosenior as head coach following the departure of Enzo Maresca, who won both the UEFA Conference League and the reinvented Club World Cup during his spell at the club. Despite those successes, Maresca’s time ended amid off-field disagreements with the hierarchy.
Mikel Obi has since described Rosenior as a “yes man” on his podcast, suggesting concerns remain among former players about the club’s current direction and decision-making at the top.
Costa’s story is another reminder of Chelsea’s turbulent history — a club defined by success, but often shaped just as much by controversy behind the scenes.
