Diego Costa issues Martin Skrtel update after former Chelsea and Liverpool stars clash

Diego Costa and Martin Skrtel appear to have resolved their differences just hours after reigniting their longstanding rivalry.

The duo faced off at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as a Chelsea legends team hosted an XI of Liverpool greats. Costa, 37, seemed to retain his combative nature throughout the encounter.

Mere moments after enduring a robust yet legitimate challenge from the former defender, the pair confronted each other. The situation appeared to calm down, before Costa delivered a shoulder charge on Skrtel shortly afterwards, reports the Mirror.

The latter looked distinctly unimpressed as he pointed an accusatory finger at the ex-Chelsea forward, who ultimately received a yellow card from the official. However, hours following the match, the duo seem to have reconciled their differences.

Costa posted a photograph of the two on his Instagram story, embracing whilst both displayed clenched fists to the camera, accompanied by laughing and red heart emojis. Costa and Skrtel share a protracted rivalry dating back to their respective spells in the Premier League.

During a Carabao Cup clash between Chelsea and Liverpool in 2015, Costa was alleged to have stamped on Emre Can before targeting Skrtel. Whilst he escaped punishment from the match official, he was subsequently handed a three-match suspension by the FA.

Speaking at the time, then Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said: "It was poor from him. He doesn't need to do it. It wasn't good for the game. He's an outstanding player, an outstanding footballer. He has this edge to him.

"With Emre Can, that was poor, I felt. He could easily hurdle over the young player and he directs his studs right on to his ankle, which could've been nasty. And again the one with Martin Skrtel. There's no need to do it. That's the sad thing of it.

"He's a top-class player and he's clever enough that the officials don't see it. The referee didn't see it. When you see it afterwards, it's disappointing."

In response to his subsequent suspension, Costa stated: "It is a suspension. I have to accept that, I have to take it. Obviously I feel sad because I'm not going to be able to help the team to play.

"I'm not saying I'm an angel. I'm no angel. You can see that. But every time I play I will play the same way because that's the way I am.

"That's what I need to do in order to support my family. That's my bread and butter. Also, that's what I need to do for this club and for the fans of this club, for the supporters and for all the people involved in this club."

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