Chelsea striker Diego Costa met with Atletico Madrid official after admitting desire to leave London

Diego Costa met with the chief executive of Atletico Madrid this summer, admitting he wanted to return to the Vicente Calderon after failing to adapt to life in London, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. Even though the Spain international struggled with hamstring issues during his debut Premier League campaign, he still managed to bag 20 goals following his £32m ($50.5m) move.

In June, Marca said the striker was "like crazy" in his eagerness to follow Filipe Luis in moving back to Atletico Madrid after just one year in West London. Costa admitted that he has had difficulties adapting to England but denied that he was actively seeking to leave Chelsea.

"[It is] quite a simple answer. It's always a bit more difficult in the first season to adapt, but I have no reason to leave this place, I love it, the fans love me and I want to stay," Costa said. Jose Mourinho later confirmed these comments

But Marca has now reopened the debate over Costa's future at Stamford Bridge, revealing that he met with Atletico's chief executive in Ibiza over the summer, just weeks after he had offered his services to the club in private.

The Spanish publication said Diego Simeone's did not consider a Costa return as the Blues were unlikely to sell the player, and Atletico would be unable to afford Costa's salary. Instead they signed Porto striker Jackson Martinez and Argentinian sensation Luciano Vietto.

Even so, Marca describes the encounter as a "friendly meeting that got a lot of tongues wagging", as Costa is unhappy in London and his relationship with Mourinho is under strain.

Marca concluded that although it is very unlikely the Spanish hitman will leave Chelsea during the current transfer, Costa "could consider a change" at the end of this season. If such a thing happens, many clubs will be eagerly seeking his services.