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The pair won a Premier League title together at Chelsea, but they were also involved in a high-profile dispute.
Antonio Conte may have won league titles in Italy and England, but the Inter coach would not last a season under Real Madrid, according to Diego Costa.
The Italian is considered to be one of the best coaches in Europe after the spells in charge of Juventus and Chelsea.
Conte won three consecutive Serie A titles with the Bianconeri and spent two years in England, where he guided the Blues to the success of the Premier League and FA Cup.
During his time at Chelsea, Conte had encounters with Costa and told the striker via text message that he was not wanted at the club.
The Spain international finally left to return to Atletico Madrid and has been a vocal critic of the coach and Chelsea ever since.
Costa, 31, says he no longer has problems with Conte and admits he is a talented coach, even if he lacks the “human” touch necessary to succeed in a team like Real.
“[Conte and I] He had problems off the field, but I think he is a very good coach, “Costa told ESPN.
“I have no resentment towards Conte, but to be one of the top managers, he needs to change the human side of his management. He is very suspicious. In a team like, let’s say, Real Madrid, it would never last a season.”
Although born in Brazil, Costa made only two appearances for the national team before shifting his allegiance to Spain.
The forward faced criticism for his decision, but says former Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari made it easy.
“After the friendly against Russia, he said he would call me again because he had not played many minutes,” he added. “I think it was just to get into my head.
“I remember that several forwards were injured, but Scolari did not select me. I was silent, but I was not selected for the Confederations Cup.”
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“The possibility of Spain arose and I accepted. How could I say no?
“Suddenly they started saying that Scolari loved me. Well, he never called me once. How could he love me?
“Then I saw writing that he had ruined the dreams of millions of Brazilians. Why not say he did not look for me? Then it is simple.”
