'Costa’s case is mild to be honest, Mikel went through worse' - Emmanuel Sarki

Former Chelsea youngster Emmanuel Sarki revealed that Antonio Conte treated Mikel Obi 'far worse' than Diego Costa.

Sarki claimed that the Super Eagles star was completely left out of the Blues squad because he decided to represent his country at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

Mikel failed to make an appearance under Conte before he eventually left for Chinese club Tianjin Teda in January 2017.

Mikel Obi. Photo: Skysports.

Sarki who was at Stamford Bridge from 2006 to 2010 told Owngoalnigeria.com: "I was told how Conte treated Mikel after his decision to represent Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

"He was granted permission to go by Conte under one condition, which was 'you might not get a look in upon your return'.

"Mikel was told by the same man who granted him permission to represent Nigeria at the Olympic upon his return that his services isn’t needed anymore.

"Even when the coach of the national team of Nigeria (Gernot Rohr) pleaded for Mikel to be allowed to play U23 games to build up his fitness, Conte still didn’t budge.

"How painful he didn’t give Mikel the chance to say goodbye to fans who have stood by him for ten and half seasons.

Diego Costa. Photo: Skysports.

"Costa’s case is mild to be honest, Mikel went through worse but never said or acted wild as he is someone who doesn’t talk much and hardly reacts negatively to issues."

Gurusbest earlier reported that Costa admitted he is being treated like a 'criminal' at Chelsea.

The Spanish striker was told by the club manager Conte via text that his services were no longer needed at Stamford Bridge.