Chelsea striker Diego Costa claims his challenges are “strong but noble” and that he has never seriously injured an opposition player.
.
The Brazil-born Spain international, 26, has just served a three-match ban for a stamp on Liverpool’s Emre Can in their League Cup semi-final last month.
.
“My challenges are strong but noble at the same time.” Costa said in an interview with Sport magazine. (external)
.
“Check my records, you’ll find I’ve never caused a bad injury to a player.”
.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claimed the stamping incident was an accident and the player has been targeted by sections of the media.
.
In the wake of Costa’s suspension Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini urged the player to learn from the incident and change his game in the future.
.
Costa, scorer of 17 Premier League goals this season, believes the reactions to certain incidents he is involved in are blow out of proportion.
.
“I consider myself a player who fights and gives everything on the pitch. Those who know me and appreciate those values understand what I say,” he said.
.
“The bottom line is that sometimes the little things I do on the pitch provoke exaggerated reactions.”
.
Costa, who joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid for £32m in July 2014, says he has received some rough treatment by players from other teams which should have been more harshly dealt with.
.
“Some of the kicks I suffer in England would be punished with a red card in Spain,” he added.
.
“I am getting used to getting kicked more than before. Premier League defenders are really strong and physical.
.
“In England, the referees don’t call many fouls, as opposed to Spanish football. Consequently, you must be really strong all through the 90 minutes.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate