Atlético Madrid captain Gabi urges Diego Costa to ‘respect’ the Chelsea badge

Despite threats of legal action on both sides, Diego Costa has made it clear that he is not returning to Chelsea under any circumstances, and that his “destiny” lies in Madrid. Which is fine, as long as Atlético pay the requisite amount to “set him free” from Chelsea, which they haven’t been too inclined to do so far. As much as Costa is pining after his old team, they still don’t seem to be reciprocating his advances as strongly as one would expect given Costa’s unfettered desires.

None of this is all that professional or non-disruptive, and several former pros and pundits have weighed in on the uncouthness of it all. Here’s former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino with some harsh words, for example.

"This guy just totally thinks he can do what he wants and he is going to bulldoze his way through to a move away from Stamford Bridge. Well, hopefully Chelsea will dig their heels in over Diego Costa

"To say 'I'm only going to go and play for Atletico Madrid', that's fine if his contract is up, but he has two years to run. He has a duty to stay and fight for his place at the football club.

"It's an embarrassment to footballers. Diego gives food to all those people who criticise footballers. He’s doing everything in his power to embarrass every footballer."

-Tony Cascarino; source: talkSport

But pundits are one thing. They get paid for strong opinions. How about Costa’s future (and former) teammates? Here’s long-time Atléti captain, leader, legend Gabi Fernández also urging Costa to go about his business in a slightly more professional manner.

"From what I know, Atletico Madrid want to sign him and he wants to join. But of course, there is Chelsea in the middle and when you are part of a club you must respect the badge and try and leave in the best way."

-Gabi; source: FourFourTwo

Gabi himself left Atlétio for four years to play at Zaragoza, who thanked him for his “professionalism and commitment” when he returned to Atlético in 2011. Gabi knows a thing or two about this, so maybe to him Diego will listen?

(Probably not.)