Sitting in his old (and new) locker in the Atletico Madrid dressing room, Diego Costa debates Instagram etiquette with his social media manager.
“Listen, I want to tell it like I feel and the media can interpret my words however they want.”
“Diego, we can’t have this fight every time you want to post on Instagram! You pay me to write your posts so that people don’t hate you any more than they already do. Either you let me write this post or I quit.
Just say what you feel and I will do my best to put your feelings into words that the rest of the world will be comfortable with.”
Costa: “Ok. Here, start with this. ‘For three years I was the best thing about the colour blue. Now blue is no longer a primary colour. I will decide in a few years if I will allow it to return to its former grandeur. Without me, blue will forever suffer.”
The PR guy types: “Some cycles begin while others end. My cycle at Chelsea began three years ago – three remarkable years in all aspects – and I will never forget it.”
Costa: “You got that? Great. ‘I alone was responsible for two championships and every goal by clubs that wear blue unis. Blue clubs will never score again; not because I wanted it to be like this, but because Chelsea gave me no other choice. Now I will bring goals to all clubs with striped kits.’”
PR guy: “Two championship titles, a Community Shield, 120 matches, 59 goals and 24 assists later this cycle has ended. Not the way I would have wanted – far from it – but the best way possible.”
Costa: “No blame for Chelsea’s future failures should fall on my former teammates, the fans, or the support staff at Chelsea. That blame should fall only on ownership and the manager and his coaches.”
PR guy: “The wonderful fans of such equally admirable club and all team mates, as well as all clinical, administrative and logistics staff will remain forever in my mind and in my heart.”
Costa: “My teammates and supporters are mine forever. They understand that this had to end. Chelsea will never be the same no doubt, but they know not to put the blame on my broad shoulders (not that I couldn’t handle it of course).”
PR guy: “Will bring them with me with the certainty that I will always be by their side as well, and I’m sure they will understand the reason why this cycle of mine has now ended – because I could not lose faith in myself.”
Costa: “Thank you to Chelsea for nothing. I expect a thank you card from Roman in the mail by next Tuesday.”
PR Guy: “Thank you Chelsea for everything!”