Chelsea star Diego Costa savages Spain critics after inspiring team to 2-0 friendly win over Belgium
Hitman claims Spanish media would praise him more if he was born in country and played for Real Madrid or Barcelona
DIEGO COSTA has never been one to shy away from the limelight.
And the Chelsea striker had a few choice words for his critics after inspiring Spain to a 2-0 friendly win over Belgium on Thursday night.
Costa’s fine start to the Premier League season under Antonio Conte saw him recalled to the national side by new boss Julen Lopetegui after being overlooked by Vicente del Bosque for Euro 2016.
The former Atletico Madrid ace replaced injured Real Madrid star Alvaro Morata after 23 minutes and looked explosive as he led the line, with Manchester City playmaker David Silva’s brace condemning Belgium to defeat in their first game under ex-Everton chief Roberto Martinez.
But after the final whistle, Costa unleashed his frustration on reporters in the Mixed Zone, claiming his good performances for Spain are constantly overlooked by the media.
The Brazilian-born hitman also hinted at bias towards Real Madrid and Barcelona players in the press, exclaiming: “Sometimes I get a lot of criticism… If I played for Real Madrid or Barcelona and I was Spanish-born, everyone would be saying what a great game I had – possibly my best performance with the national team.
“I can be useful. I was heavily involved in the match and I am going home happy, not like on other occasions.
“Sometimes I dig myself a hole, but other times, with the slight comment, you create a media storm. Many times you may be right, I admit that I haven’t done great things with the national team, I won’t deny it.
“But when I play well, that should be mentioned. I have got the confidence of my team mates and I hope to start scoring soon.
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“I get criticised for my character, but I have also got quality as a player. Sometimes I lose the plot a bit – like other players, but if it’s me…
“I’m not going to change however much they criticise me. I know that sometimes I make mistakes – I don’t need anyone to tell me when I am in the wrong.
“I have a lot of people around me who tell me straight to my face which is the way it should be. Everyone loses their temper from time to time.”