Roy Keane gave a typically withering assessment of exiled striker Diego Costa, suggesting the champions are better off without a player who is a 'bit of a balloon'.

Costa refused to return to Chelsea's Cobham training ground after Antonio Conte told him he had no future at the club, before going on strike in Brazil for which he was fined.

His desired move to back to Atletico Madrid failed to materialise leaving an awkward impasse between club and player. Keane though, is in no doubt that Chelsea should not go back.

"They are better off without him," said Keane on ITV's Champions League highlights show. "The guy is obviously big trouble.

"I know he has done well for them, but he looks to me to be a bit of a balloon. Get rid of him. Have players at your club that want to be there."