Conte heaps praise on Diego Costa and reiterates he remains focused on Chelsea.

Diego Costa will be the focus of the attention in the build up to the game this afternoon against Hull City and Antonio Conte has re-iterated his focus is on Chelsea and heaped praise on our top scorer.

What a difference a week makes in football. Last week, Costa was left out of the squad that travelled to Leicester with an official explanation being because of a back injury. Unconfirmed reports stated that Costa had a bust-up with our Fitness Coach and the Manager having become the subject interest from China after he had been offered a massive £576,000 per week. For the first time as Chelsea Coach, Antonio Conte had to deal with a major issue in the dressing room.

Move forward a week and the whole situation now seems to be very, very different. Costa is back in training with the players having recovered from his injury, everyone is all smiles and Antonio Conte has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Speaking of Costa in his press conference yesterday, asked if he remains committed to Chelsea and of Costa's possible 100% appearance for Chelsea, Conte responded by saying:

“I think now is better to be focused and concentrate on the present, not the future.

Now' it's important he has these four months in a very strong way and then we'll see. It's important now to be focused on the present and not see too far (into the future), in my opinion.

Diego is a good player, a good person, and now he's only focused on Chelsea and to play with us, and continue to help us.

He missed only one game, the last game, and now he's ready to come back with us. For sure, I'm sure about his commitment, his behaviour, his will to fight with this team and to try, together, to fight until the end to try and win the title.

Every time Diego played for Chelsea, he always put all himself into it for this shirt, for this club. This is the most important thing. I know this and I'm pleased for this. For this reason, I'm sure on Sunday that, if Diego starts the game, he'll put all himself into it for this club, the shirt and the fans, and do everything he can to win the game.

I can put my hands in the fire. In Italy, if you put your hands in the fire, it means you are certain 100 per cent. You trust 100 per cent the situation.

That is a great achievement for him, his 100th appearance. That's fantastic to play for the same team (that many times). I hope to celebrate this 100th appearance with a win. I hope.” - Source: The Telegraph.

Conte's message is unequivocal isn't it. He backs his man 100% and insists that there will be no problem with Costa's commitment for Chelsea between now and the end of the season and I am sure the majority of us feel the same way.

Let's hope if he starts he scores and we can put all this crap behind us - till June!