Chelsea striker Diego Costa has revealed how he developed as a footballer, reflecting on the aggressive nature of growing up in Brazil.
Costa joined the Blues last summer for a fee of £32m from Atletico Madrid where he helped the Spanish side to a La Liga title and forced his way into the Spanish national side.
Born in Brazil, Costa has come under heavy criticism this season for his aggressive style of play, something he has reflected on in his autobiography, which has been serialised by the Sunday People.
“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. 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.”