Britain Football Soccer - England v Germany - Legends International - Upton Park - 2/5/16 Germany's Michael Ballack Action Images via Reuters / Tony O'Brien
(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.
Costa, the club's top scorer this season, was recently left out of the Chelsea squad with a back strain amid British media speculation of a row with backroom staff and a possible transfer to Chinese side Tianjin Quanjian.
