---
title: "Diego Costa rules out China move as he heads for exit"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2017/06/12/diego-costa-rules-china-move-heads-exit/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Abdullah Mulla"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2017-06-12T12:49:36Z"
modified: "2017-06-12T12:49:36Z"
---

# Diego Costa rules out China move as he heads for exit

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has ruled out a move to the Chinese Super League but has left the door open for a return to former club Atletico Madrid, according to a report on [Goal](https://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2017/06/12/36300332/chelsea-star-costa-open-to-atletico-madrid-return-but-rules?ICID=HP_HN_HP_RI_1_3).

However, the move will be more complicated than it sounds as Atletico have a transfer ban which prevents them from registering new players at the club.

Costa revealed that he received a text message from manager Antonio Conte telling him that he was not part of the Italian’s plan at Chelsea next season, which had led to the Spaniard looking for a new club.

![Clive Rose/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/619278236.jpg)

The 28-year-old striker was Conte’s top scorer last season, netting 20 times in the Premier League on Chelsea’s road to becoming Champions. But Conte is looking for a new forward and reports are suggesting that a deal has been agreed with Everton for Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku.

Costa is keen to sort his future out quickly as the Russia 2018 World Cup is coming up and the striker wants to ensure that he is the starting striker at the tournament for Spain.

![David Ramos/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/693659852.jpg)

Costa has always had a close relationship with Atletico manager Diego Simeone and has been linked with a move back to the Spanish capital for some time. However, their ban means a move back there is unlikely. He could move there should Atletico sign him and then loan him out to another club in Spain or Europe where Costa could gain valuable game time.

Costa has definitely ruled out a move to China because he wants to make the World Cup starting XI and he feels that by playing in China it will decrease his chances of that starting spot.