Diego Costa has spoken up about his style of play in a recent interview for Saturday’s Football Focus programme (BBC), claiming that he is no angel on the pitch, but argues the desire to win is what alters his on-the-pitch persona from the dressing room joker we hear teammates talk of.
Costa, who also spoke to Sky Sports’ Tubes in an interview which will air in Saturday’s Soccer AM programme, described himself as ‘no angel’ to the BBC, but suggests people should not ‘put wings on [him]’.
I think I got to where I am today because of the way I play. I’m not going to change because of other people’s opinions, but I believe that you transform when you’re on the pitch, you are not the same person off it.
The forward has struggled so far this season with just two goals in nine games in the Premier League, and a three-match domestic ban to add to the woes of his Chelsea team.
Costa did score in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, and will be hoping for more of the same in what is likely to be a feisty affair at Upton Park tomorrow afternoon.
The 27-year-old said to the BBC: ‘On the pitch, I am going to fight for my team and give my best.
I think people who criticise me should go and play and see if they are the same person – everyone reacts differently.
The Diego Costa of last season is still absent as Chelsea search for a second consecutive league win for the first time this season.
Despite the lack of goals, however, Costa insists he will not change his attitude on the pitch.