Diego Costa says Antonio Conte has told him he is not in his plans for Chelsea next season.
The 28-year-old, who scored 20 goals in 35 league appearances in their title-winning campaign last season, says he received a text from his Italian boss and will now be looking for his next club.
He says he has already forwarded the message to Chelsea to decide.
The Spain international has always stated a desire to one day return to Atletico Madrid where he played between 2010-2014.
But any move to be reunited with former boss Diego Simeone in La Liga is not possible until at least February because of Atletico’s transfer ban.
