Diego Costa: Chelsea pricing me out of Atletico Madrid return

The forward is desperate to secure move back to his former club this summer

Costa claims he was told he was not wanted by a text message sent by Conte during the off-season. (AFP)

Diego Costa has pleaded with Chelsea to lower their asking price to allow him to return to Atletico Madrid.

The 28-year-old Brazil-born Spain international signed for £32m from Atletico in July 2014, agreeing a five-year contract, but now wishes to return to the Spanish capital.

Speaking from his native Lagarto earlier this week, Costa criticised Chelsea and head coach Antonio Conte.

Costa claims he was told he was not wanted by a text message sent by Conte during the off-season.

But the Blues insist it was decided in January, with the striker and his agent, Jorge Mendes, that Costa could leave this summer.

Costa still has two years remaining on his contract. As a consequence, he has been ordered by Chelsea to return to London, get himself match fit and make himself available for selection to give himself any hope of returning to Atletico.

But Costa says his former club are being priced out of a move by the Blues.

"I've demonstrated I care for Atletico and have interest in playing for them," he told ESPN Brasil.

"But if Atletico and Chelsea don't come to an agreement and Atletico don't make a big effort, I can't keep on wanting to play for a club that isn't going to make a bigger effort to try and sign me.

"I know that this (big effort) will happen, but if it's to pay the amount that Chelsea want it won't be possible."

Costa has won two Premier League titles in three years at Chelsea, scoring 59 goals in 120 appearances. He has 52 Premier League goals.

Asked the fee Chelsea are requesting, Costa said: "I don't know, but my agent said that Chelsea want something that Atletico can't get near.

Diego Costa wants to return to Atletico Madrid (Getty Images)

"What I know is that this offer Chelsea will get is bigger than what they paid (for Costa in July 2014).

"Atletico is a team growing every year, a big team, but they can't pay an extraordinary amount.

"When I came to Chelsea they paid a lot less compared to what's being offered to them.

"I think they should take into account everything that I've done. It's not my fault that I'm not at the club. If it was down to me I'd be playing. It's already been one month. Holidays are good but it gets tiresome.

"I didn't provoke the situation, but now that it's come to this the club has to think in two ways.

"Of course they need to get something back, like I gave them on the pitch, but financial as well. After three years they will receive a fee higher than what they paid."

PA