Diego Costa ensured he received a standing ovation on Stamford Bridge return

Diego Costa received a standing ovation on his return to Stamford Bridge. 

The former Chelsea striker signed for Wolves on a short-term deal last month and made his first start for his new club against the Blues on Saturday. 

In truth, Costa was a little rusty and failed to get into the game, partly down to the fact that he hasn’t really played too many times over the last year or so. 

As a result of his limited impact, Wolves’ interim manager Steve Davis replaced the Spaniard with Hwang Hee-Chan in the 57th minute. 

At that time, Chelsea were already 2-0 up and comfortably controlling the game after goals from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic. 

However, Costa will for sure remember the reception he received from the Chelsea fans when he was taken off. You can watch the footage below.

Costa walked off on the side of the pitch instead of walking across the field towards the technical areas in order to lap up the appreciation from the Stamford Bridge crowd. 

Fans reacted to his substitution on social media. 

One said: “Diego Costa being subbed felt like he was walking off at his own testimonial. What a reception.” 

Someone tweeted: “Diego Costa taking the long walk around to get off the pitch. Clapping all the Chelsea fans.”

A third fan added: “Diego Costa walks off the far end of the pitch, he walks around the pitch to which he receives applause from the Stamford Bridge crowd. Great send-off for him.” 

Another Chelsea fan said: “Beautiful scenes seeing Chelsea fans give Diego Costa the respect he deserves.” 

Chelsea fans will always hold Costa in high regard after the heroics he performed in the blue shirt. 

During the 14/15 season under Jose Mourinho, Costa won the Premier League and played a key role by scoring 20 goals in 26 appearances. Overall, he made a total of 120 appearances for the club, scoring 59 goals. 

Alamy

After Costa went off, Wolves still didn’t manage to get themselves back into the game as a late Armando Broja goal sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory for Graham Potter’s side. 

With three wins on the bounce, Potter is starting to get his ideas across to his Chelsea players, next up for the Blues is a Champions League clash against AC Milan.