Antonio Conte Updates Chelsea Fans on Diego Costa Future

Chelsea striker Diego Costa.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge, London, January 22. Costa scored on his return to the Chelsea side. Richard Heathcote/Getty

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte insists "speculation is finished" over the future of star striker Diego Costa.

Costa scored Chelsea's first goal in the 2-0 victory over Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, having missed the 3-0 win at Leicester City on January 14 due to a dispute with Chelsea's fitness coaches.

Costa claimed to have a back problem but reports suggested his attention had been taken by an offer from Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian.

"I am pleased for him and for the fans and club. Today finished all types of speculation," Conte told the BBC.

"In this situation I told always the truth. I am happy for him and to finish this speculation. He played and played very well.

"A lot of people asked me about his form, his attitude, and I said I took the best decision for the team. I think I made the best decision after this performance."

Defender Gary Cahill scored Chelsea's second goal with a header, as Conte's club stretched its lead at the top of the English Premier League to eight points.

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