Speaking for the first time in the wake of his three-match ban, Diego Costa has defended his rugged and often controversial style of play that has landed him in hot water.
In an interview with the Mail, Chelsea front man Diego Costa has opened up over his personality on and off of the pitch.
Costa, the Premier League’s top scorer this season with 17 goals in 19 games, was hit with a ban by the FA after a ‘stamp’ on Liverpool’s Emre Can.
He appealed the charge at the first opportunity, and clearly stands by the decision to do so:
The main thing is when I get home and I can sleep knowing I’ve not done anything wrong.
“I never meant to do that, it wasn’t on purpose. You can clearly see that on the video. I have to accept the suspension.â€
“Obviously I feel sad because I’m not going to be able to play or to help the team. But I have to accept and respect itâ€, the former Atltico man added.
His actions against Liverpool divided opinion within the media; with Gary Neville admiring Costa for his ‘in-your-face’ play style while many others condemned what they felt was an intentional act of aggression towards Can in what was a fiery and feisty encounter.
However, Costa is obviously keen to play in the same way after he returns from his ban, not only to help his team, but simply because it comes naturally to him.
I’m not saying I’m an angel. You can see that. But every time I play I will play the same way because that’s the way I am.
“On the pitch I will always be like that. That’s my character and I will always compete. I’m a different guy off the pitchâ€, he stressed.
“I’m not going to change the way I play because I got banned for a few games now. I’m always loyal, I always go 100 per cent.â€
The quotes can act as a response to critics including Man City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who claimed the Brazilian should change his ways on the football pitch.
Costa, who’s already gleaming Stamford Bridge reputation has only been enhanced by the week’s events, missed his side’s draw against Man City and will miss games against Villa and Everton in the coming weeks.
Read Diego Costa’s first newspaper interview in England in full here.
