Diego Costa admits he could see out Chelsea contract UNPAID in Brazil and reveals he has been in contact with old boss Jose Mourinho
Outcast will stay in his native Brazil until he gets his dream move to Atletico Madrid following extraordinary summer
CHELSEA outcast Diego Costa has revealed he is willing to stay in Brazil and see out the rest of his contract unpaid.
Costa is currently in his native country at his family home after being told by Antonio Conte that he doesn't want him anywhere near the first team.
The 28-year-old was sharing his side to the story to the Daily Mail over his summer of controversy.
Costa said his club had been treating him like a 'criminal' and would be willing to spend a year in Brazil to avoid going back to Stamford Bridge.
He is also racking up weekly fines but is not worried about the money.
He said: "They gave me a week extra off but since then it's fines all the way. They want me training with the reserves. I am not going to do that. I am not a criminal and I am not in the wrong here. So, if they need to fine me, let them fine me.
"I take the hit every week but I'm not driven by money. The important thing is to be happy with how I live. I'm here with my parents and people who respect me.
"I am open to being a year in Brazil without playing, even if Chelsea fine me for a year and don't pay me. I'll come back stronger. If I was in the wrong, I'd go back now and do as they say."
Costa's relationship with Conte rapidly deteriorated last season and claims the Italian is "very distant" and "doesn't possess charisma".
But his thoughts towards former gaffer Jose Mourinho couldn't be anymore different as Costa reveals he keeps in touch with the Manchester United manager.
He added: "I respect him (Antonio Conte) as a great coach. He has done a good job and I can see that, but as a person, no. He is not a coach who is very close with his players. He is very distant. He doesn't possess charisma.
"Jose has called me, direct to my phone, just to check I am OK and to see how I am.
"He wished me good luck. I never had any problems with Jose, we have a strong relationship. Everyone was very sad when things didn't work out in the end for him at Chelsea."