Chelsea defender David Luiz has heaped praise on his team-mate Diego Costa for his fighting spirit and for not forgetting his roots.
The Brazilian-born Spain international is not exactly Mr Popular in the Premier League, but has consistently shone for the Blues since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2014.
Luiz believes Costa is one of the best strikers in the world, but added that what he really admires about him is the fighting spirit he has gained from a career spent in the lower leagues and battling repeated injury problems.
‘I like Diego because he never forgets where he came from,’ Luiz told Chelsea Magazine. ‘That’s why he fights until the end for his team.
‘He never gives up. Diego now plays for one of the best clubs in the world, Diego now plays in some of the best stadiums in the world, Diego is now one of the best strikers in the world.
‘But he never forgets when he was playing in the second and third division, with small teams in difficult leagues and difficult stadiums, suffering many injuries and fighting for his career. He never forgets where he came from in Brazil.
‘I like these kinds of people, because they really want to give everything.’
Costa is often criticised for his aggressive playing style, and Luiz admits it’s not easy to deal with him, having experienced this as a Paris Saint- Germain player.
He added: ‘I love the way he plays, and I am happy now because he plays in my team and it’s difficult to play against him! It’s better to have him on my side. He never makes life easy for the defenders.’
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