Chelsea striker Diego Costa has criticized Spanish media for treating him unfairly compared to other players in Spain’s national team for not being born in the country himself.
The Brazilian-born 27-year-old thinks he played his best game for Spain so far in their 2-0 win over Belgium on Thursday, as he assisted David Silva’s winning goal after coming on for Alvaro Morata on the first half.
However, due to his reputation the media only focus on the down sides of his performances, and Costa believes he would be treated better should he play for Real Madrid or Barcelona.
They criticise me a lot and if I played for Real Madrid or Barça and was a natural Spaniard they’d say I had a good game, possibly my best for the team.
I didn’t score but I can be useful to the team. I participated a lot in the game and I leave here happy, unlike in other games
Diego Costa has suffered a few lengthy bans during his Chelsea career – like after stamping on Emre Can against Liverpool last year – but has always stayed out of trouble when representing Spain.
I haven’t done great things for Spain, I can’t lie, but when I play well they should say so. They criticise me for my character, but I also have quality.
After not being included in Spain’s squad for last summer’s Euro 2016 campaign, Costa has faith in the national side’s new season with the new head coach Julen Lopetegui in charge, and promises to start scoring goals soon.
A new era has started. I have faith in my team mates. It’s true that I have unfinished business with scoring but today I felt good and the goals will come.
I’d be more concerned if I didn’t have chances, but the team is creating them and that’s good. I will score soon.
