Michael Ballack: Diego Costa needs to stay calm in order to secure Chelsea transfer

Antonio Conte told Diego Costa back in June he wouldn’t be part of his long-term plans at the club.

Costa has been exiled from the squad and is currently training alone in Brazil, despite the new season starting last weekend.

Atletico Madrid have been continually linked with a move to bring the Spaniard back to the club, but are supposedly refusing to part with more than £30million.

The 28-year-old striker has infuriated Conte with his behaviour and created an air of tension at Stamford Bridge.

And former Blues star Ballack has urged Costa to keep his cool to stand any chance of leaving before the window closes on August 31.

“It’s a very difficult situation especially when the club and the player’s interests don’t match up,” Ballack told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Sometimes you have to be professional. You have a contract and you have to do what you are paid to do such as training.

“With each comment, he’s not helping the situation – he’s a big, big player and the club has an interest to sell him.

“He needs to stay calm and concentrate on his job.

“Outside it is difficult to give advice, but if he trains and works hard, then the situation will resolve itself.”

Chelsea travel to face London rivals Tottenham at Wembley tomorrow (4pm).