Costa: I am the owner of my future

Diego Costa says the decision on his departure from Stamford Bridge will be made by himself alone.

The star striker scored the opening goal in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Middlesbrough on Tuesday morning, with the result moving Antonio Conte’s side three points away from a confirmed Premier League title.

Speculation over Costa’s future at the club has only intensified though, as recent reports suggest that he will sign a pre-contract agreement with Chinese Super League side Tianjian Quanjian in the coming days.

Even celebrating his goal against Boro with what appeared to be a goodbye wave to the Stamford Bridge faithful, Costa claimed after the match that a move to China was not set in stone, however.

“I am the owner of my future and it does not mean that I am going to China,” he said in an interview with South America’s DIRECTVSports.

It is understood Tianjian are prepared to offer the 28-year-old a jaw dropping £650,000-a-week deal, with Chelsea set to gain as much as £75 million for the transfer.

Costa could seal his second English top-flight title with the Blues when they travel to face West Brom on Saturday morning.

The Spaniard has netted 20 goals in the Premier League for the 2016-17 season so far.