Chelsea FC: Costa Says He was Never Taught To Respect Opposition

Chelsea FC ace Diego Costa has found himself in hot water quite a bit this season, but it’s nothing the Brazil-born striker isn’t used to.

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He has already seen eight yellow cards, a one-match ban and a three match ban in his short Chelsea career, but with his disciplinary record comes goals. For now, 17 of them have been scored, which shows that he’s probably worth the trouble.

Costa’s upbringing has a huge part to play, his beastly attitude on the pitch stems from his youthful days as a street footballer. While most professionals were in academies as teenagers, Costa played his football on the mean streets of Lagarto, Brazil till he was 16.

In a biography entitled Diego Costa, El Arte de la Guerra’ (Diego Costa, the Art of War) which was published in Spain, the player reveals that respect and professionalism are attributes which he never had an opportunity to learn as a young player.

He claims that he had no self control, or regard for the opposition, often fighting and insulting them during every match.

"“In the street you have to be the most cunning one. In that environment, I didn’t control myself. I got annoyed about everything.”“I remember a lot of games in which my friends and I ended up crying. I fought with everyone.”“I insulted everyone. I had no respect for the opposition. I thought I had to kill them. Boys who grew up playing in ­academies are taught to control ­themselves and respect others, but no one taught me otherwise.”-Diego CostaSource: Mirror"

Back at Atletico Madrid, the forward received 58 yellow cards along with seven reds. He constantly wound up opposition players, mouthed off at referees and got into scuffles.

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Now at Chelsea, he has shown no signs of slowing down, but that’s just the player he is. Take away the fiery attitude, the anger, the hatred for losing, you have no Costa. He seems to thrive on hostility, and loves a physical battle.

The striker says he has come a long way in smoothing his behavior out, but as we all can see, some things just can’t change.

"“I didn’t have a school to teach me this. I was used to seeing players ­elbow each other in the face and thought it was the norm. If you’re a kid and step on someone they blame you.”“I think I’ve done well. I played games and corrected my game a lot. I knew if I learnt I could be successful.”"

He has already helped Chelsea win silverware this season, and they are also on course to dethrone current Premier League champions Manchester City.

Despite his cards and suspensions, he is having a great first season in London. His 17 league goals puts him in pole position to win the golden boot, albeit tied at the top with City forward Sergio Aguero (who has played more games).

Costa and his team will face Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on Wednesday, offering the player another opportunity to leave his mark.

He hasn’t scored outside of Premier League competition, but that is no fault of his. He had a goal unfairly ruled offside in the group stage, and his goal in the Capital One Cup final went down as a Kyle Walker own goal.

Whether he scores or not, Costa’s presence is always welcomed. He helps his team in so many ways, he can hold up the ball, draw defenders, win aerial battles and never shies away from a challenge.

Costa probably has a few regrets, but he says he would not change anything if he could.

"“Before, it was different, I had a completely different head to what I have today and I accepted some things badly. Not now. I’m fighting to be important.”“There have been ­difficult seasons, but everything that happened has done me good. I matured a lot.”“If I look back, I wouldn’t change ­anything. I learnt from everything. That’s why I am where I am now.”"

He got where he is, by being who he is. He could use a bit of toning down, but why change now?

Next: How Manchester City Can Turn Things Around In The Champions League