Diego Costa hints at Atletico Madrid return

“It is awesome because if they didn’t remember, there is no way they would treat me and the players like this so for sure we want to play at Stamford Bridge”. There are things that I have to control, but it was an impulse.

Mourinho said Costa returned for pre-season training overweight this year and suggested every game without a goal was adding a further burden of 5kg to his misfiring striker. “I completely trust him”.

While there is no indication that he will leave Chelsea any time soon, the forward refused to rule out a return to Atletico Madrid and cited the example of Filipe Luis, who is enjoying a career renaissance at the Vicente Calderon, in his second stint with the club.

The former Arsenal skipper has witnessed a dramatic loss in form this year after he played an instrumental part in delivering Mourinho’s third title at Stamdford Bridge last year, but the Portuguese says he is not alone in underperforming this term.

‘Look where Filipe Luis is. “Life is full of surprises – I always wish Atletico the best and I always follow them and support them from afar”.

Chelsea next play at Leicester on Monday, by which time they could be in the Premier League’s relegation zone.

“It’s hard to explain why our performances can be so different, but we need to play like we did against Porto in the Premier League as well, because we need to win the next game”, he said.

“When they sing my name or call me the special one I don’t know what to do and feel a bit embarrassed”.

The Blues were underdogs in 2012 when they won their only European Cup and there is belief they can defy that status again.

“I know I have to be better to go to Euro 2016 with Spain”.

“The atmosphere is very positive in the squad”.