Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has spoken of his bitter departure from Chelsea.

The striker sealed a move back to Atletico Madrid from the Premier League champions in September, but not before he went AWOL in his homeland of Brazil as his relationship with Blues boss Antonio Conte grew increasingly fractious and the Italian told him he could leave Stamford Bridge.

The 29-year-old insists the fact he has played so little this season is not his fault, with the striker telling reporters: "It is very clear that it was not my fault that I was in Brazil.

"We all know what happened there but I'm back now and I want to do my best.

"The coach (Julen Lopetegui) was always very clear with me that if I was not playing then it would be impossible for me to be called up.

"But he also said that if I was playing well then the door would be open to me and I'm grateful to him for that."