Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has revealed the decision to sell Diego Costa was made back in January.
Costa was heavily linked with a move to China in January and reports were suggesting that a deal had already been made with the striker at that time.
Speaking in his pre match press conference Conte said: "I don't like to talk about players who are not here," Conte told reporters ahead of Saturday's game against Arsenal in Beijing.
"The only thing I can tell you is that in January, the Costa situation was very clear, for the club for him and his agent. For me, the situation is closed."
It looks as though a return to Athletico Madrid is in the cards for Costa and both he and Chelsea will now been keen to get any deal done as soon as possible.
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