The Brazilian-born star has made an instant
impact in the Premier League, scoring 17 goals since his £32m arrival
from Atletico Madrid.
But he has also made
headlines for the wrong reasons - receiving a three game ban for a stamp
on Liverpool's Emre Can while also being involved in heated exchanges
with Jordan Henderson, Everton's Seamus Coleman and Sunderland's John
O'Shea.
Costa though claims he has been on the
end of heavy challenges that would be red-card offences in Spain and
believes his actions are being singled out.
"Some of the kicks I suffer in England would be punished with a red card in Spain," he said.
"My
challenges on the ball are strong but noble at the same time. If you
check my records, you will find out that I've never caused a bad injury
to any player.
"The bottom line is that sometimes the little things I do on the pitch provoke exaggerated reactions.
"But if you rewind a bit and go through what they did to me, you may have another point of view.
"I
consider myself a player who fights and gives everything on the pitch.
Those who know me and appreciate those values understand what I say."
Costa admits he is relishing the challenge of facing the best players in the world after adjusting to life in the Premier League.“The bottom line is that sometimes the little things I do on the pitch provoke exaggerated reactions”Diego Costa
And he has warned Chelsea's rivals that he is only going to get better.
"I am getting used to getting kicked more than before. Premier League defenders are really strong and physical," he said.
"In England, the referees don't call many fouls, as opposed to Spanish football. Consequently, you must be really strong all through the 90 minutes.
"I like the challenge. My life wasn't easy, neither are my games.
"Every time I see a good defender I cannot wait to play against him.
"He might beat me, but I will learn from the experience."
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