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Chelsea striker Diego Costa stated that he will not be changing his aggressive style of play because he retains the full support from manager Jose Mourinho, the club and the fans, Guardian reported. Costa has also admitted that he is “no angel” on the pitch and has vowed not to change his ways even if it gets him into trouble.
Apart from Chelsea fans, many of us can agree with one thing – Costa is one of the most hated player on the planet at the moment. The 27-year-old has gained a reputation for provoking confrontation on the pitch since he arrived at Stamford Bridge last season.
He made a remarkable start to his Chelsea career in the first season by scoring 20 goals, which helped his side to Premier League glory. So far this season, nothing has gone well neither for the striker nor the club.
The former Atletico Madrid striker was served a three-match ban by the Football Association after being found guilty of violent conduct during his side’s 2-0 win over Arsenal earlier this season. Costa made a stunning comeback last week against Aston Villa, a match where he registered his name on the goalscorers sheet and added an assist to his name.
Despite the manager’s backing, his on-field aggressive approach has drawn a lot of criticism by many, but he has stated that his priority is helping his side by not being the ‘good guy’.
"Some people seem to think football is like theater, and that everyone has to play the good guy." he said in an interview.
"But I think that you transform when you cross the white line, you're not the same person as off it. I give no quarter and I ask for none. Out there I'm going to fight for my team and do the best I can.”
"I got where I am because of the way I play. I'm not going to change because of other people's opinions. On the pitch you do everything to win the game, when the match is over I go home to my friends and family, I joke around, I'm a normal guy, but on the pitch don't put wings on me because I'm no angel."
Costa demands more protection for strikers from the England’s match officials
Costa said he has had to learn to look after himself in the Premier League, where he believes referees give less protection to attacking players.
"I receive fouls that would result in yellow or red cards in Spain, but here it's seen as part of the game," he said.
"The countries have different footballing theories. But I'm not going to start complaining. It's my job to adapt to the culture and the way the game is played here, not to complain. I think that my efforts are there for all to see."
