Chelsea hitman Diego Costa has revealed that he is growing immune to the underhand tactics used by Premier League defenders to rile him up.
Costa brought his fiery reputation with him to West London following a £32 million summer move from Atletico Madrid, with the opposition often accused of targeting the volatile striker.
In January, the 26-year-old, who has netted 19 Premier League goals this season, was hit with a three-game ban for allegedly stamping on Liverpool’s Emre Can during a League Cup encounter.
However, the former Atletico man says that he is learning to curb his temper and focus on firing the Blues – who boast a six-point lead at the top of the table – to the title.
“They’re no less dirty than the defences in Spain but I’m not complaining. They go in strongly but the referees won’t give it as a foul – in Spain, they would,” he told reporters.
“Some try to take me out of the game but, each time, I control myself more and focus on my own game.”
