Costa: If I played for Madrid or Barca…

In a sensational post-match interview, Diego Costa insists he is criticised “because I don’t play for Real Madrid or Barcelona or because I’m not a native Spaniard”.

Costa replaced Alvaro Morata midway through the first half against Belgium on Thursday and assisted David Silva for Spain’s first goal in a 2-0 win, prompting the striker to not only commend himself for “possibly my best game” in a Roja jersey after the match but slam his country’s Press.

“Sometimes [the Press] criticise me because I don’t play for Madrid or Barca or because I’m not a native Spaniard, but I think I had ​​a good game, possibly my best [for Spain],” the Chelsea star was quoted as saying by AS.

“A new era has begun and my teammates have faith in me. It’s true that the goals are still not there, but today I had a good feeling and [the goals] will come.

“I’d be worried if I didn’t have chances, but the team create them and that’s very good. I hope to score soon.

“I’m criticised for my character, but I also have quality. I won’t change, even if I’m criticised.

“It’s true that sometimes I‘m wrong, but I don’t need anyone [from the Press] to tell me.

“I have a lot of people around me and they say these things to my face, which is good. Everyone has moments of anger.”

Tags Belgium Chelsea Diego Costa friendly Spain
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