Diego Costa admits that he tried everything to secure a move back to Atletico Madrid last summer.
The striker was linked with a move back to his former club, after his side comprehensively failed to defend their Premier League title during the 2015/2016 season.
But after apparent negotiations between the two clubs about Costa's future, the talks broke down and the Spaniard was forced to remain at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to El Larguero, Costa says he did everything in his power to guarantee a move back to the Spanish club before reconciling with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
"Atletico knows I have a special feeling for the team, I lived the best moment of my career there. El Cholo (Diego Simeone) knows it wasn't impossible for me to come back to Atletico.
"The relationship with Conte didn't start well because when he arrived I told him I wanted to go to Atletico. Chelsea's fans love me a lot, even more than in Atletico, figure that.
Image: Diego Costa in action for Atletico Madrid in 2014.
"When Atletico had to wait for me they didn't, there was still a month to go in the transfer market.
"I've done everything to come back to Atletico Madrid but I wouldn't fight the same to return. When Atletico didn't wait for me, I had to go to Conte with the tail between my legs."
It proved to be a fortunate development for Costa, as Chelsea went on to revive their title chances this season. They currently sit at the summit of the Premier League table, with a 10-point advantage on second-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Costa for his part, has contributed 17 league goals so far this season.
In January however, tensions flared between Costa and Conte again and there were rumours of a lucrative move to China.
It's understood that Chelsea rebuffed the reported £80million offer to keep Costa at the club. He has two years remaining on his contract.
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