Diego Costa bid “wonderful” Chelsea fans farewell after completing Atletico Madrid transfer

Spain international striker Diego Costa has written an “emotional” farewell message to “wonderful” Chelsea’s fans after the Blues confirmed his move to Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

Diego Costa has completed his £59million transfer back to Real Madrid after three successful season’s in the west London club that saw him win the English Premier League title twice

Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban means the transfer deal will take effect from new year January 1, 2018.

The Spaniard, who will watch the Blues and Atletico Madrid play each other in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening, used a post on Instagram to say his goodbyes to Chelsea supporters and staff.

He wrote: “Some cycles (Journey) begin while others (come to an) end. My (Diego Costa) cycle began at Chelsea (Stamford Bridge) three years ago – three remarkable (Successful) years in all aspects – and I (Diego Costa) will never forget it.

“Two championship (Premier League) titles, an (FA) Community Shield, 120 games, 59 goals and 24 assists later this cycle (Journey) has ended. Not the way I (Diego Costa) would have wanted (the journey to end) – far from it – but the (very) best way possible.

“The wonderful fans Chelsea Supporters) of such equally admirable club (Chelsea) and all team mates (colleagues at Chelsea), as well as clinical (medical staff), administrative and logistics staff (Chelsea management team) will remain forever in my (Diego Costa) mind and in my (Diego Costa) heart.

“I (Diego Costa) will bring them (memories) with me (Diego Costa) in the certainty that I (Diego Costa) will always be by their (Chelsea) side as well and I (Diego Costa) am sure they (Chelsea fans) will understand the reason why this cycle of mine has now (come to an) end (ed) – because I (Diego Costa) could not lose faith in myself. Thank you Chelsea (Fans, staff) for everything.”

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, meanwhile, said he has no personal problems with his former forward and will shake hands with Diego Costa if they meet each other again.