Diego Costa says he will always keep the text sent by Antonio Conte saying he is not needed at Chelsea – and that he got another, much more welcome message this summer.
Conte informed Costa remotely that he is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, with the striker refusing to return for pre-season training.
Costa is still at his family home in Brazil, as Chelsea began their Premier League title defence with a home loss to Burnley.
He says he was alone in his hotel room on international duty when he got the message, and will keep it on his phone forever to prove to people that he is not a liar.
Costa has since been replaced up front by Alvaro Mor ata, a summer signing from Real Madrid. Costa says he respects this decision, but wishes it was handled differently.
Speaking exclusively to Sportsmail, Costa said: ‘What is happening now with Chelsea is sad. The text message – I understand it when a coach wants a different player.
‘Alvaro Morata is a great player. He had a great season in Madrid and actually with the way this crazy transfer market is, I think they got a good price for a young and talented forward. He will triumph at Chelsea.
‘There are ways of going about it. You don’t do it by text message. You should be honest and direct to someone’s face.
‘I was with the Spanish national team, alone in my room, when it came through. It was a shock to get it like that. I was showing it to my team-mates and they could not believe how he had done it.
‘I was angry at the time. Now I am more calm. I have not deleted the message. If people accuse me of lying, I can show them. It was clear, saying that he didn’t count on me and wishing me the best for the future. Full stop.’