It was not exactly an example of Wildean wit, but Diego Costa posted what was intended as a retort to his critics on social media. It contained one word: “Blah.” If the inference was that talk is cheap, Costa’s mooted deal in China would have been hugely expensive.
Neither that nor Antonio Conte’s suggestion that, because Costa has two years left on his Chelsea contract, speculation should die down was entirely convincing.
Costa’s goalscoring return against Hull City does not close the conversation either. His prowess on the pitch was not in doubt. His attitude was. Perhaps it still is.
Chelsea should derive encouragement from the focused, forceful way the striker resumed his pursuit of the title and Golden Boot alike. Yet their next two league games present their greatest obstacles on their path to silverware.
They face Liverpool and Arsenal. Two years ago, Costa was retrospectively banned for stamping on Emre Can, while escaping unpunished for a similar offence on Martin Skrtel. Last season, video evidence was used to give Costa another three-match suspension for a flick at Laurent Koscielny. Had those offences been spotted by the officials during the games, Chelsea would surely have lost them. Instead, they won both.
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It is that capacity to be destructive and self-destructive that renders Costa a fascinating psychological study. He plays on the edge of the rules, injects drama where there is none and lives in a world of constant conflict. Much of it, as his proposed transfer to Tianjin Quanjian indicates, seems caused by him.
He is both a one-off and a throwback. Chelsea may sense history repeating itself. As a temperamental target man, Costa bears distinct similarities to another quintessential Jose Mourinho forward, Didier Drogba. The Ivorian generated controversy in similar measures, something which can be obscured by the nostalgic glow a happy ending generates.
Drogba’s colossal efforts in winning the 2012 Uefa Champions League, scoring the late equaliser in the final and then the decisive penalty in the subsequent shootout, marked one perfect goodbye. He won the title as a substitute in a second spell that represented a lap of honour.
They can camouflage the three Champions League campaigns that ended with Drogba incurring suspensions: had he not been sent off in the 2008 final he, and not John Terry, would have taken the crucial fifth penalty. Chelsea, not Manchester United, would probably have conquered Europe.
Costa has also cost Chelsea. By his own admission, he was overweight at the start of last season. The disintegration of his relationship with Mourinho was played out in public as his goals dried up. Rewind a few years and Luiz Felipe Scolari and Andre Villas-Boas both struggled to manage Drogba. Influential individuals can have the power to destabilise dressing rooms. Discontent can be contagious. Chelsea know that all too well.
Thus far, Conte seems to be passing a test of his man-management, in public insisting there is nothing to discuss while privately showing his toughness. The Chelsea fans who booed Costa 13 months ago after Mourinho’s sacking when he, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas were branded “three rats” on an infamous banner seemed united in support for the striker on Sunday. He looked the darling of Stamford Bridge again. Fifteen goals in 20 league games and an eight-point advantage at the top of the table can have that effect.
It may prove a quick fix, an example of Conte’s pragmatic ability to utilise his resources as best he can and while he still can. The siren call of Atletico Madrid or the lure of Chinese cash may prove too strong. If so, his legacy is on the line.
A predecessor serves as role model. Drogba was as combustible and controversial. There were times when it was suggested Chelsea would be better off without him. Yet he scripted happy endings, secured legendary status and ensured past transgressions were forgiven. If Costa is still eyeing the exit, Drogba shows there is a way to go, in glory and not amid acrimony.
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