Chelsea 3-0 Wolves: Diego Costa got standing ovation after being subbed off

Diego Costa returned to Stamford Bridge with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.

The fiery Spanish striker was signed as a free agent back in September and made a first start for his new club against former employers Chelsea.

Given the fact he’s barely played football at the very highest level over the last 12 months or so, Costa was a tad rusty in west London.

To be honest, that analysis is probably being too kind on him, with the former Atletico Madrid man having little to impact on proceedings.

Costa didn’t make it to the hour mark at Stamford Bridge, temporary Wolves manager Steve Davis sending on Hwang Hee-chan on for him in the 57th minute of play.

From a strictly footballing perspective, it certainly wasn’t a day to remember for Costa.

Wolves were 2-0 down when he was hauled off thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic.

But one thing Costa will fondly remember is the reception he received from the home crowd after leaving the field of play.

Instead of walking over to the dugouts, Costa trudged off the pitch on the opposite side so he could make the most of the applause from Chelsea fans.

In case you’re unaware, the reason the Spaniard is still adored at Stamford Bridge is because he was a catalyst for the team’s Premier League triumph in 2014/15 under Jose Mourinho‘s leadership.

Costa scored 20 goals in 26 league outings that season, finishing his impressive Chelsea career with 59 goals in 120 appearances across all competitions.

So no wonder he’s still a hugely popular figure…

Diego Costa getting a round of applause from the Chelsea fans. Once a blue, always a blue! #chewol pic.twitter.com/20KXHEiRSM

DIEGO COSTA