Diego Costa has spectacularly claimed that he’s being singled out for special treatment by Chelsea’s opponents in an effort to wind him up.
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Despite the fact it’s Costa who has been making the headlines this season for his overly aggressive style of play and even received a three-match ban for a stamp on Emre Can during the Blues Capital One Cup semi-final with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, the Spanish international has bemoaned opponents for supposedly provoking him.
“I have been receiving that kind of treatment for a long time, so I will try to improve and not fall into the trap. But sometimes I do try to wind them up,” he said reports London Evening Standard.
“Everyone wants to win and do their best for their club. In my own way, I try to give my all for my team and fans — my opponent will do the same so I don’t complain because it’s part of the game.
There’s no denying Costa has made a significant impact in the league since his arrival in the summer in a £32 million deal, according to the Standard, from Atletico Madrid and is currently joint top scorer – with boy-wonder Harry Kane – with 19 goals.
But for many his battling style leaves a foul taste in the mouth because despite his impressive goalscoring exploits, his other on-field, provocative antics will always cast a shadow.
However, it’s a style of play that Costa says he is reluctant to change.
“I will keep fighting and try to give my best for the team. Things are going well for me. I can’t deny I’m competitive, I’m a fighter. That’s how the League is here.
“There is fight, commitment, teams never stop battling and it’s a competition that demands a lot from a player. That’s why I like it and I’m very happy here.”