Antonio Conte has thanked Diego Costa for his part in Chelsea’s success last season and said any disputes between them are “the past.”
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Conte said: “We want to thank him for what he did with this club. We wish him all the best for the future.
“Don’t forget we won together last season. I repeat: for sure we want to thank him for his effort, not only last season but in the period that he played for Chelsea.”
Meanwhile, Tiemoue Bakayoko is fit to play in Chelsea’s game at Stoke on Saturday despite being involved in a minor car accident after training on Thursday, while Eden Hazard is also available.
Conte said: “All the players are available apart from [Danny] Drinkwater,” Conte added. “He’s continuing to work on his recovery [from a calf problem].
“Don’t forget we are working with Charly and Kenedy from last season,” he added. “I was pleased to see this type of performance from them.
“They have to continue in this way. But in the last game I felt a really good atmosphere in the changing room. A good link between young players and old players.”
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