Photo: Getty Images

Diego Costa says he was not to blame for the falling-out at Chelsea that cost him his place in the Spain squad.

The former Chelsea striker has put the blame on Antonio Conte and thinks the feud with the Chelsea boss wasn’t necessary which led to his Chelsea exit.

He said in an interview with Sportsmail’s Adam Crafton: “It is very clear that it was not my fault that I was in Brazil. We all know what happened there but I’m back now and I want to do my best.

“The coach (Julen Lopetegui) was always very clear with me that if I was not playing then it would be impossible for me to be called up. But he also said that if I was playing well then the door would be open to me and I’m grateful to him for that.”