Diego Costa filmed in Atletico Madrid shirt saying ‘give Conte a hug’ as Chelsea exit draws closer

Diego Costa has been filmed wearing an Atletico Madrid strip, saying ‘give Conte a hug’, as his move away from Chelsea continues to drag on. 

The Spain striker has been allowed to skip Chelsea’s pre-season and was filmed partying in his native Brazil while negotiations for his move back to Madrid continue. 

The video was shown on Instagram Live, with what appeared to be a family and friends partying with loud music playing, the camera then pans round to show him wearing the kit of his previous club. 

Hundreds of his followers 'liked' the video, including Chelsea team-mate Cesc Fabregas, who he told to ‘give Conte a hug’.

Blues boss Antonio Conte revealed to Costa via text message that he was no longer part of his plans, but his switch back to Atletico has been held up in recent weeks.

Failure to secure the return of Romelu Lukaku - who opted to join Manchester United instead - has left the champions short of attacking options. 

But Atletico are subject to a transfer ban and Costa would be unable to play for the La Liga side until the New Year.