Diego Costa has again been ordered to return to Chelsea with the club adamant that Atletico Madrid will not land the AWOL striker for a knockdown fee.

Costa revealed that he has been fined by Chelsea for failing to return to training after being given an extra week off at the start of pre-season, following Antonio Conte’s text message confirming he had no future at Stamford Bridge.

In an unsanctioned interview, Costa claimed he was prepared to spend an entire year in Brazil without being paid by Chelsea unless the club let him return to Atletico.

But Chelsea have reiterated to the 28-year-old that they expect him to return to England and fulfil the terms of his contract by training and doing everything he can to make himself fit and available for selection. Negotiations have taken place between Chelsea and Atletico over Costa’s desired return to Spain, but the Premier League champions insist his contract must be adhered to until any such time as a transfer is agreed.

Chelsea reject claims that Costa was told he would have to train with the reserves if he returns to the club, although it remains highly improbable that he would play for head coach Conte again.