Exiled Chelsea striker Diego Costa says he "must return to Atletico Madrid next season."
The 28-year-old Brazil-born Spain international says he wants to return to the Spanish capital and has no plans of returning to Chelsea.
Costa, who is a 1/2 shot with Sky Bet to leave Stamford Bridge, claims he was told he was not wanted by the Premier League champions in a text message sent by manager Antonio Conte during the off-season.
But the Blues insist it was decided in January, with the striker and his agent, Jorge Mendes, that Costa could leave this summer.
As a consequence, Costa has been ordered by Chelsea to return to London, get himself match fit and make himself available for selection, as he still has two years remaining on his contract.
But in a statement Costa said: "My destiny is already set.
"I must return to Atletico Madrid next season.
"There happens to be an impasse as Chelsea do not want to release me.
"But I believe this situation will be resolved upon my return to Spain."
Costa did not say when he would be returning to Spain, but his preferred move is complicated by Atletico's transfer embargo, which forbids them from registering new players until January.
The statement from the Sergipe FA is the first sign that Costa is prepared to use official channels to negotiate his departure from Stamford Bridge.
Press Association Sport understands Costa has not yet contacted FIFA, football's world governing body, over his concerns.
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