The striker was sent back to Atletico Madrid despite his three seasons at Stamford Bridge, a decision the Brazilian feels was the wrong one to make
Chelsea star Willian has criticised Antonio Conte's decision to force Diego Costa out of the club last year.
The Spain international spent three seasons at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles before he was ruled surplus to requirements by Conte.
The Italian coach sent the forward a text telling him that he did not need him in the squad, which Costa described as "a moment of madness" before sealing his return to Atletico Madrid last September, even though he was not eligible to play until January this year because of the Spanish side's transfer ban.
And Willian feels the decision was a mistake from Conte, revealing that he had a few issues with the figures in the dressing room.
"He also had problems with David Luiz and Costa," Willian told ESPN. "With Diego, I remember it was after the season. I was in Australia with Brazil and Diego texted me.
"He said: 'I'm leaving, Conte said he doesn't need me anymore'. I said: 'What do you mean?' And he said: 'He texted me saying that he doesn't need me on the team anymore and I'm not supposed to go back'.
"You don't lose a player like Diego Costa. It was a difficult situation."
Conte scored 58 goals in 120 appearances for the English side before returning to the Rojiblancos, where he had previously won La Liga and the Europa League, and reached the Champions League final in a successful four-year spell.
Willian is not the first player to regret Chelsea's loss of Costa, as club legend Frank Lampard said in May that the English top flight is not the same without his presence.
“The English game has missed him this season after he rejoined Atletico from Chelsea," he said.
“He is a big player, a big character. Love him or hate him, you have to appreciate that kind of player.
“Chelsea have certainly not looked the same without Costa. Not only is he a big physical presence, he has great quality to score goals."
paco11000
73
if you combine morata and Giroud they won't perform as Costa did.he was absolutely a magician in front of goal.we need a striker.for me we lack a striker and if hazard is forced to leave then Chelsea are no different from Everton
misbit
46
I said this before that Chelsea never should have allowed Conte to force Costa out. It was a costly mistake that hurt club, team, the board, and led to the club missing out just the fourth place in the league. But, I am glad Conte got the boot for his ego. Costa will always be missed. It would take Chelsea to get another player of Costa's type. I am glad Willian has spoken hus feelings about this.
ChloeSam18
29
I think the sour relationship start to fall apart when Costa want to move to China but failed to materialise. We don’t know the true story who’s fault who’s not but Willian shouldn’t have talk about this issue again. What happen is happen and now both Costa & Conte is no longer with Chelsea. I know everyone in Chelsea in pain for the lose of Diego Costa, he is strong & playing brilliantly no doubt,but let’s move on. That’s how football is - player go another one will come. Respect ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏾
Muncest
25
Very true analysis from Willian.Conte shot himself and entire Chelsea dvantage supporters on the feet by telling Costa not to return to the club. Apart from Drogba Chelsea has had no striker with the callibre of Costa. We need a hit man not those flops better Michie over the rest. If we don't hire a striker lets forget winning any Championship till we get one.