Diego Costa Launches Extraordinary Attack on Former Chelsea Boss Antonio Conte
Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa has reignited his long-running feud with ex-Blues manager Antonio Conte, delivering a series of astonishing personal insults during a podcast appearance. In a bizarre claim that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Costa suggested Conte 'probably doesn't have sex at home' while branding him a 'very bitter guy'.
The Background of a Bitter Fallout
The animosity between Costa and Conte dates back to 2017, when the Spanish-Brazilian forward's successful Chelsea career came to an acrimonious end. Costa, who scored 59 goals in 120 appearances for the Blues and won two Premier League titles during his three-season stint, found himself frozen out by Conte in dramatic circumstances.
The Italian manager famously sent Costa a text message informing him he was no longer in his plans, prompting the striker to return to Brazil without permission while Chelsea demanded a substantial transfer fee. Costa would eventually describe this treatment as being treated 'like a criminal' before securing a return to Atletico Madrid in January 2018.
Costa's Explosive Podcast Revelations
Speaking on former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel's The Obi One Podcast, Costa delivered his most personal attack yet on his former manager. 'He's a person who doesn't trust others, he thinks he knows everything,' Costa declared. 'You don't enjoy training with him, he's always angry, always with a long face.'
The forward then made his most extraordinary claim: 'He probably doesn't have sex at home because he is a very bitter guy.' This bizarre personal remark represents a significant escalation in Costa's long-standing criticism of Conte's management style and personality.
Recounting the 2017 Text Message Saga
Costa provided fresh details about the infamous 2017 text message incident that precipitated his Chelsea exit. 'I sent the message to [director] Marina [Granovskaia] and she immediately told me what he did could not be done, that he was not the owner of the team,' he revealed.
The striker explained his decision to remain in Brazil, stating: 'In the end, I was in Brazil, I was with my family and I told Marina that for everything I've done for the club, I don't deserve to be treated like this.'
Costa's Previous Criticisms and Current Perspective
This latest outburst follows previous comments in which Costa described Conte as 'very suspicious' and suggested he needed to improve the human aspect of his management. Despite the bitterness, Costa acknowledged their shared success, noting: 'The titles he won at Chelsea, he won it with me for his bad luck.'
The forward concluded with a somewhat conciliatory note, stating: 'The past is the past, it is a shame... I wish him all the best with his life.' However, he couldn't resist a final dig, suggesting Conte's unpopularity contributed to his Chelsea departure: 'That's why he didn't last long.'
Aftermath and Career Paths
While Costa departed in January 2018, Conte followed him out of Stamford Bridge at the season's end. The Italian was sacked after Chelsea finished fifth and missed Champions League qualification, despite winning the FA Cup that same season.
Costa's subsequent career saw him return to Atletico Madrid until 2020, followed by spells with Atletico Mineiro in Brazil, Wolves in the Premier League, and Brazilian clubs Botafogo and Gremio. His remarkable Chelsea tenure, marked by both spectacular goals and controversial incidents, remains overshadowed by this bitter feud with the manager who helped deliver Premier League success.
