Diego Costa releases official statement ahead of Madrid trip to sort out his destiny

Over the course of his two-month vacation on his hometown of Lagarto, in Brazil, Chelsea striker Diego Costa has accomplished many things. From Jetskiing with his dog, to helping a circus clown in his act (and that's not a metaphor), to overseeing the management of the city’s local club who had been taken over by his family, he’s kept himself busy. But one thing he is yet to accomplish is get fit and ready for the 2017-18 season.

Diego remains intent on leaving Chelsea after his fallout with manager Antonio Conte and the club’s brass. However, his preferred transfer destination, Atlético Madrid, have not done much to help him fulfill this ambition. So as the Blues threaten legal action over Diego’s refusal to return to Cobham, the player is now set for a trip to Europe. But instead of landing in Heathrow, his flight will take him to Madrid, where he claims the situation will get sorted.

“My destiny is already set. I must return to Atlético Madrid. It happens that there is the impasse of Chelsea not wanting to let me go. But I believe this situation will be resolved now on my return to Spain.”

-Diego Costa; Source: Federação Sergipana de Futebol via Globo Esporte

Whatever happens in Madrid, hopefully stays in Madrid, alongside Diego Costa and the rest of the fallout from this sorry episode. Whether he’ll end up taking the “loan until December” option, or he’ll sit out six months, or he’ll find some new random solution, he has two weeks left to get it done — although if he plans to sit out, the transfer can be done whenever (transfer windows only control registrations).