Diego Costa has claimed that he is unfairly targeted by the Spanish media because he was not born in the country.
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Spain striker Diego Costa played his part in the national football side’s 2-0 win away over Belgium, but then criticised the treatment he has received at the hands of the press.
Lopetegui recalling Costa after Del Bosque left him out of the squad for Euro 2016 was one of a number of eye-catching decisions the new coach made in his first squad announcement, including dropping former captain Iker Casillas.
“I have a lot of people around me and they say these things to my face, which is good”.
“I’d be anxious if I didn’t have chances, but the team create them and that’s very good”.
Costa spoke to reporters at the final whistle – and didn’t hold back. I can’t lie, but when I play well they should say so.
“A new era has begun and my teammates have faith in me”.
“But I’ll be honest, I am targeted here, by the referees, the people… if I do something, it’s totally different than if any other players do”.
“I haven’t done great things for Spain”.
He continued: “You criticize the character, but I also have quality. this often happens to me, but not others”. It’s true that the goals are still not there, but today I had a good feeling and [the goals] will come.
Costa, who has netted 34 Premier League goals in 57 games for Chelsea, has scored just once in 11 appearances for Spain since switching nationalities in 2014, but defended his performance against Belgium.
“I’d be more concerned if I didn’t have chances, but the team is creating them and that’s good”.
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Costa came off the bench against Belgium to kick-start his global career, and is hopeful that he can impress new coach Julen Lopetegui heading into the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. “I will score soon”.
