(Reuters) - Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has praised manager Antonio Conte's handling of Diego Costa after the striker reportedly tried to force through a lucrative move to China this month. The 28-year-old Costa, however, silenced doubters after the Spain international scored on his return in Sunday's 2-0 win over Hull City. "With toughness, he (Conte) took him out of the squad, which was an understandable situation, if it was the back or not it doesn't matter," German Ballack, who spent four years at Chelsea, told British media. Ballack also felt players could be distracted by the current market situation but urged them to be wary of Chinese riches, saying the sums being offered were not normal. "It's difficult for the club to put all the players back in line, all the players who get a crazy offer.

Source: The Star January 25, 2017 10:07 UTC