Diego Costa is finally heading out of Chelsea.

The Spain striker is on his way back to Atletico Madrid in a stunning deal worth a staggering £67million.

In his three years at Stamford Bridge, Costa has won two Premier League titles and produced some memorable moments.

But for every great goal there has been a controversial incident which means Costa will go down as one of the Premier League's most villainous characters.

Here our friends at Football.London take a look back at Costa's chequered time in England.

January 2015 - Emre Can stamp

Costa clashes with Can (
Image:
Mike Hewitt)

Just a few months in to his Chelsea career, Diego Costa is charged by the FA for a stamp on Liverpool midfielder Emre Can.

The striker picked up a three-match ban for the incident - which took place in Chelsea's League Cup semi final win over the Reds.

And it was just the first of many...

September 2015 - Arsenal controversy

Gabriel saw red against Chelsea (
Image:
Ross Kinnaird)

Remember this derby?

Not only did Diego Costa appear to slap Laurent Koscielny and get involved in a tussle with the French international, but was also involved in a kicking controversy with Gabriel - which saw the Arsenal man sent off.

Costa wasn't punished at the time for what Arsene Wenger described as "disgusting" conduct - but was later charged by the FA and slapped with another three-match ban.

Typical.

October 2015 - Skrtel kick

Diego Costa clashes with Martin Skrtel (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley)

Diego Costa marked Halloween in a way only he could - by nearly getting banned for an alleged "kick" on Martin Skrtel.

The striker appeared to catch the Reds defender is his midriff during a tussle, but there was no charge from the FA this time.

November 2015 - The bib

Diego Costa throws his bib towards Jose Mourinho

2015 really was a busy year for Diego Costa.

The striker was again in the news in November for losing his rag at being an unused substitute against Spurs, throwing his bib to the floor in anger.

March 2016 - Everton red card

Diego Costa clashes with Gareth Barry before being sent off (
Image:
Reuters / Phil Noble)

This is fact was the first red card that Costa picked up in Chelsea colours, despite his history of suspensions from the FA.

This was during an FA Cup semi final against Everton at Goodison Park - with footage appearing to show the striker biting Gareth Barry during a clash of heads.

Both players later denied that any bite occurred, but Costa still received a second yellow card for the incident and appeared to spit in the direction of the referee.

The striker's two-match ban was extended to three games - and he was fined £20,000 for the incident.

May 2016 - Dembele gouge

Mousa Dembele clashes with Diego Costa (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Here's one that Diego Costa wasn't the antagoniser in.

Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele was given a retrospective six-match ban for gouging the eye of the Chelsea striker during a mass brawl in what was an almost farcical match between the two clubs.

August 2016 - Adrian challenge

Adrian reacts to a tackle by Diego Costa (
Image:
GETTY)

The first game of the season this time - and Costa was already making headlines.

Whilst already on a yellow card the striker made a late challenge on Adrian which went unpunished - before Costa eventually scored the winning goal later on.

The Hammers keeper later claimed he was fortunate to not be seriously injured in the incident.

January 2017 - The China rumours

Diego Costa celebrates scoring with Antonio Conte (
Image:
REUTERS)

You could argue this was perhaps the beginning of the end for Diego Costa's Chelsea career.

The striker fell out with Antonio Conte amidst heavy rumours of a move to the Chinese Super League - specifically to Tianjin Guanjian.

No move ever materialised and Costa scored on his Chelsea return, but...

June 2017 - The end

Diego Costa was informed that he was no longer part of Antonio Conte's plans - and the striker refused to train with the club and travelled back home to Brazil.

The 28-year-old was trying to force a move back to Atletico Madrid, with his wish finally being granted on Thursday.

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