Diego Costa thanks Chelsea fans after completing move to Atletico Madrid

Diego Costa has expressed gratitude towards Chelsea and the club's fans after finalising a move to Atletico Madrid.

On Tuesday it was confirmed that the controversial striker has agreed terms on a return to the Vicente Calderon in a deal thought to be worth around £53m.

Blues manager Antonio Conte informed the Spain international that he was no longer wanted at the club via a text message in the summer, prompting the 28-year-old to remain in his homeland of Brazil.

Now, though, Costa only had kind words to say about the Premier League champions, but there is no mention of Conte in his open letter.

"Some cycles begin while others end. My cycle at Chelsea began three years ago - three remarkable years in all aspects - and I will never forget it," Costa wrote on Facebook.

"Two championship titles, a Community Shield, 120 matches, 59 goals and 24 assists later this cycle has ended. Not the way I would have wanted - far from it - but the best way possible.

"The wonderful fans of such equally admirable club and all teammates, as well as all clinical, administrative and logistics staff will remain forever in my mind and in my heart.

"Will bring them with me with the certainty that I will always be by their side as well, and I'm sure they will understand the reason why this cycle of mine has now ended, because I could not lose faith in myself. Thank you Chelsea for everything!"

Costa is ineligible to play for Atletico until January due to the club's transfer embargo.