Chelsea FC forward Diego Costa is no stranger to a brawl, but his first season in England has left him bemoaning the lack of protection he gets from referees.
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Despite being joint top scorer with Harry Kane and scoring 19 goals in 23 Premier League appearances for the Blues, Costa isn’t exactly having a joy ride. He is constantly involved in squabbles with opposition players, and has already missed four games due to suspension.
Diego Costa – Credit: Footie Sport ( Flickr Creative Commons)
While he is always up for a physical battle, the striker doesn’t think that he gets enough calls. He has probably been denied the most penalties this season, dating back to his very first match, when he was shown yellow after going down from a goalkeeper’s challenge.
This has also been the story of Chelsea’s season; they have been denied lots of important calls, but then again, so has every other team. Match officials seem to have cut vitamin A from their diets completely, failing to see on-field atrocities almost every match-week.
"“I take a beating constantly, just like in Spain. But I’m not complaining. They go in hard, but also you don’t get the free-kicks you do in Spain.”“Sometimes defenders try to target me and put me off my game, but my self-control is getting better and I just try to do my thing.”-Diego CostaSource: Fox Sports"
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Self-control is getting better? I’m not so sure about that one, but it would certainly take away a bit of worry from Chelsea supporters if their star man would contain his inner beast.
As for everything else, the striker is spot-on. He has certainly been a target throughout this campaign; players are constantly trying to wind him up, in an effort to get him carded.
Costa — who is currently injured and unable to suit up for the Spanish National team — also lamented on his lack of international action, but is eager to start a new chapter with the team.
"“My story with the Spanish national team hasn’t started yet. I haven’t done anything yet. I’m sorry not to be able to contribute what I wanted to. Something always happens to me when Spain matches are coming up. I’m raring to succeed with Spain.”Source: WAGNH"
Chelsea will be hoping that their prolific front-man will be ready to play when they face Stoke City at home next weekend. The race for the title is heating up, with Arsenal and both Manchester clubs all in contention.
Their performances have dropped since the turn of the year, and it seems that they will be limping past the finish line. They would certainly appreciate Costa’s help in pulling them across.