ANTONIO CONTE has thrown his support behind ‘injured’ striker Diego Costa and denied any knowledge of the striker trying to force through a £30million-a-season move to China.
The Premier League‘s leading scorer was dropped for the trip to Leicester on Saturday with reports claiming he and the manager had a blazing row over his desire to move to the Far East Super League.
But the former Juventus and Italy manager – as well as team-mates Gary Cahill and Marcos Alonso – have stuck by the story that he missed the 3-0 win with a back injury.
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Conte said: “I think before the game I told the truth and I repeat the truth.
"I like to tell the truth and not lie. Diego stopped training on Tuesday because he felt a pain in his back and he didn’t train. That’s the truth.
"I don’t know about this (China offer). I repeat the truth is what I told you before. Now we will see in the next week.
"I don’t know anything about this. The club doesn’t know anything about it.
"If there are problems I prefer to solve them in the changing room – IF there are problems."
Chelsea defender Cahill played down the furore around Costa and told BT Sport: "Diego is a massive player for us, he wasn’t there today but we put Pedro, (Eden) Hazard and Willian up there instead and it is hard to defend against talent like that.
"We are delighted with that result."
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Two-goal hero Alonso agreed with the unlikely idea that the speculation is baseless.
The wing-back said: “wasn't feeling well because of his back.
"He's very happy and will have a great enough season at Chelsea."
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