“We are Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world and for this reason I think Diego Costa must stay in the best team. He showed that he is very, very strong. The best in the world for me. I am sure also that when he gets into this idea of football he can score a lot of goals for us."

On Atletico's behaviour, Conte added: "It's normal to ask for respect. I know myself, my attitude, my behaviours. I don't like to speak about the players of the other teams. I would like that the others do not speak about my players, but I know this period is very strange. We respect all, but we want respect."

Conte stopped short of issuing a 100 per cent guarantee Costa will stay, saying: "In football, my experience I learned that 100 per cent never exists because you don't know what can happen in life. I am sure and I am very happy to train Diego and I know that he is our player and he is an important player for me, for his team-mates, for the fans, for all of the people in Chelsea. I think Diego also feels this and I think this is important."