Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has asked the fans to back Diego Costa as the striker was rumoured to be unhappy.
Last week, there were reports about Costa being unhappy at Chelsea and was also linked with a move to China. But in the latest press conference, Antonio Conte has come out and pleaded the fans to back their star striker.
Conte said: “Our fans are really important, always. They push a lot when we play at home. They push a lot when we play away. And, for us, for me, they are the 12th player on the pitch.”
“I hope they continue in this way, to push a lot for our team, my players, in every moment of the game. They are a really important part for us to try and win and try and continue to fight for the title.”
Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge in 2014, Costa has been one of the best players for Chelsea in the Premier League. The 28-year-old striker has already scored 14 goals this season and is also the top scorer in this campaign.
Read: Will Chelsea Offer Costa A New £300k Per Week Contract
Conte said: “Every time Diego played for Chelsea, he always put himself into it for this shirt, for this club. This is the most important thing. I know this and I’m pleased for this. For this reason, I’m sure on Sunday that, if Diego starts the game, he’ll put all himself into it for this club, the shirt and the fans, and do everything he can to win the game.”
“I can put my hands in the fire. In Italy, if you put your hands in the fire, it means you are certain 100 percent. I thought the same example was good in English. We can learn. It means you trust 100 percent the situation.”
Conte added: “I think now is better to be focused and concentrate on the present, not the future.”
“Now it’s important he has these four months in a very strong way, and then we’ll see. It’s important now to be focused on the present and not see too far (into the future), in my opinion.”
“I’m sure about this, Diego is a good player, a good person. And now he’s only focused on Chelsea and to play with us, and continue to help us.”
“I repeat: he missed only one game, the last game, and now he’s ready to come back with us. For sure, I’m sure about his commitment, his behaviour, his will to fight with this team and to try, together, to fight until the end to try and win the title.”