Saturday 26 September 2015 17:34, UK
Chelsea striker Loic Remy has praised the qualities of Diego Costa as he prepares to fill the Spain international's boots away to Newcastle United on Saturday Night Football.
Costa serves the second of his three-game suspension when the Premier League champions take on struggling Newcastle live on Sky Sports on Saturday evening after being found guilty of violent conduct by the Football Association last week.
However, despite Costa's absence in attack possibly handing a rare opportunity for Remy to feature for Jose Mourinho's side, the Frenchman knows what a loss his team-mate's absence will be at St James' Park.
"Diego is the kind of player who can switch on during the game and that's a good thing because outside the pitch, he is such a funny guy and joking all the time," Remy told Sky ahead of the live game on Sky Sports 1 HD.
"He is a different person on the pitch, but I think he is really passionate and that's why he is like this. He never gives up and I think he is a very talented player.
"You maybe need to ask John Terry or Kurt Zouma [what he is like to mark] and they will tell you better than me, but even at training he can show some good skills and score some good goals. He is a good player.
"Off the pitch and in the dressing room, he is always doing cheeky things everywhere. For me, I am really happy and pleased to play with this kind of player.
"You learn a lot next to him. He is a striker, as I am, so I try to take an example from him and from Falcao as well."
Mourinho must choose between Remy - who, if selected, will face the team he played for while on loan from Queens Park Rangers in the 2013/14 campaign - and Radamel Falcao to lead the line in Costa's absence on Saturday evening.
Each frontman, though, offers the Chelsea manager different qualities, which according to Remy is a plus for the Portuguese.
"Diego is really a good finisher," he said. "He is a bit aggressive in a good way.
"Falcao as well, technically with the ball is really good. He can keep the ball.
"Me, I am more of a runner. We have different characteristics and that is good because the manager has the choice to manage the way he wants."
Sign in to watch the full interview with Remy ahead of Newcastle v Chelsea on Sky Sports 1 from 5pm on Saturday.
