Diego Costa refuses to rule out Atletico Madrid return

Chelsea striker, Diego Costa, has been linked with a move back to Madrid in recent times and refused to rule out a return when asked on Onda Cero during the week. When questioned about returning to his former club, Costa said, "You never know. Look at how well Filipe Luis is doing. Life is full of surprises. I always wish Atletico the best and always follow them and support them from afar."

Costa moved to Atletico Madrid from Braga in 2007 for a pittance of what he would become worth in the years that followed. He had loan spells at Celta Vigo, Albacete, Real Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano before rising to prominence at Atletico. He scored 64 goals in 133 appearances for the club as Diego Simeone's side looked to replace the outgoing Radamel Falcao. Costa stepped up to the plate and earned himself a move to Chelsea in the summer of 2014.

Costa's early Chelsea form was top notch but it has dipped significantly in recent weeks and months. His relationship with current Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is shaky and it almost came to boiling point when he threw his bib in Mourinho's direction against Tottenham having warmed up several times without being called upon when Chelsea were in need of a goal.

Costa started for the first game in three against Porto on Wednesday night but he must still fight for his position and clearly does not enjoy sitting on the bench. Depending on how Jackson Martinez applies himself when he returns from an ankle injury, Atletico might be glad of a proven goalscorer in La Liga like Costa.

It is worth keeping an eye on as Chelsea and Mourinho remain entrenched in a poor run of form that tends to magnify disruptions within a squad.