"Motherf****r you're flying" – Diego Simeone responds after ex-Chelsea star Diego Costa mocks him over surgery

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has responded to ex-Chelsea star Diego Costa's recent comments in an expletive-laden way following the Argentine's knee surgery.

Simeone, 54, recently underwent surgery to resolve his long-term knee issue and he took to Instagram to share the news. He wrote in a post:

"Gadgets of the trade... and I had to go through the operating room to continue enjoying what I love most... the sport ⚽️"

Costa, who played under Simeone at Atletico Madrid, commented:

"🤣🤣🤣 these old folks"

Simeone, who has been at Los Rojiblancos since 2011, responded:

"Motherf****r you're flying!!!!"

Costa, 35, rose to fame with Simeone's help in his first stint at Atletico Madrid. The Brazilian striker scored 56 goals and laid out 17 assists in 96 overall appearances in the 2012-13 and the 2013-14 seasons.

The Gremio star moved to Chelsea in the summer of 2014 before returning to Los Rojiblancos in January 2018. He registered 19 goals and 14 assists in 81 matches across competitions in his second stint at Simeone's side before leaving on a free in January 2021.

Costa, who lifted two Premier League titles at Chelsea, helped Atletico Madrid win a total of seven silverwares, including two La Liga titles.

Fabrizio Romano offers update on Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku's future amid links

In his Daily Briefing column for Caught Offside, journalist Fabrizio Romano shared his thoughts on Romelu Lukaku's future at the Stamford Bridge outfit amid reports of Napoli's interest. He wrote:

"If Napoli do sell [Victor] Osimhen, we may then also get a clearer idea about the future of Romelu Lukaku. For now, there is no substantial update on Lukaku, but Chelsea insist on their intention to sell Lukaku and not to accept any loan now, so the situation is still the same, and it won't be changing. It will take time and it will depends on the clubs' strategy."

Earlier this week, newly appointed Napoli boss Antonio Conte hailed Lukaku amid recent speculations. He said (h/t X/@FabrizioRomano):

"He's an excellent player, top player. There's nothing else to say. You always hope to have a player like Romelu on your side and not against you."

Lukaku, 31, bagged 21 goals and contributed four assists in 47 overall outings for AS Roma while on loan from Chelsea in the 2023-24 term.

During his first spell at Inter Milan, Lukaku contributed 64 goals and 16 assists in just 95 games across competitions under Conte's guidance.