Diego Costa refuses to return to Chelsea

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has confirmed that he will not return to the club while his future remains up in the air.

The 28-year-old is currently back in Brazil and refusing to return to the UK after Blues manager Antonio Conte took the decision to freeze him out of the first-team picture this season.

Costa was due to report back at the club two weeks ago and would have been made to train with the reserves until he manages to secure a move away to another side, but has instead opted to remain in his homeland with his family.

"They want me to be there training with the reserves. I wouldn't be allowed access to the first-team dressing room and I would have no contact at all with the guys," Costa told the Daily Mail. "I'm not a criminal! I don't think it is fair after all I have done to be treated like that.

"They gave me a week extra off but since then it's fines all the way. They want me training with the reserves. I am not going to do that. I am not a criminal and I am not in the wrong here. So, if they need to fine me, let them fine me.

"I take the hit every week but I'm not driven by money. The important thing is to be happy with how I live. I'm here with my parents and people who respect me.

"I am open to being a year in Brazil without playing, even if Chelsea fine me for a year and don't pay me. I'll come back stronger. If I was in the wrong, I'd go back now and do as they say."

Costa's preferred move is a return to Atletico Madrid this summer, although the La Liga side are currently banned from signing new players until January.