Diego Costa says Didier Drogba has had a major impact on his Chelsea career
Friday 10 February 2017 08:03, UK
Diego Costa says he was always “amazed” by Didier Drogba and claims he was learning from the striker even before he joined Chelsea.
The Spaniard has scored 51 goals in 103 games for the Stamford Bridge side since his move from Atletico Madrid in 2014 and is well placed to win his second Premier League title in three years, with the Blues sitting nine points clear at the top of the table.
He and Drogba won the league together in Costa's first season at the club and the 28-year-old has credited the Ivorian with having a big impact on his prolific spell with Chelsea.
"I have always seen Drogba as the example to follow in terms of a centre-forward," Costa told Chelsea TV. "He was strong and scored loads of goals and he was a quality player.
"Just watching him train helped me. Just seeing him, I was amazed. This is because - and I'm not making this up at all - I specifically used to watch Chelsea [before he joined], who are obviously a big club, just to see Drogba.
Live Nissan Super Sunday
"He was famous and everyone would talk about him. I even liked watching him when he played for the Ivory Coast. When I arrived here, he was never cold with me, quite the opposite. I wasn't exactly scared of him, but he was such a legend who had helped the club grow and been a part of all that."
Costa says Drogba, who won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League with Chelsea, was very supportive of him when he arrived at the club and believes he has much to thank his former team-mate for.
"He made history here, so could have been dismissive of me but, no, he was always fantastic with me," Costa said. "I will always have fond memories of him and whenever I see him, I thank him. It's not always easy for someone with so much history to be in that position.
"I was playing well, scoring goals, and he would support and motivate me, whereas others might not have done the same. I take my hat off to him."
Costa endured a difficult second season with Chelsea as some fans turned on him, and some team-mates, during a disappointing campaign last year before being left out by Antonio Conte for his side's trip to Leicester this term over an injury and reported interest from China.
However, Costa has credited the Chelsea faithful and says support from fans is vital for him and his team-mates as they look to secure another Premier League title.
"Not just the fans at the ground, but the other Chelsea supporters and my team-mates have shown that they care about me and I feel the same about them, too," said Costa.
"If I go on to the pitch, do things well and the fans love me and my team-mates, too, we take on that energy which can change a game.
"I don't know what it is exactly, but when the fans get behind you it gives you a boost and can change a game completely. When a game is not going your way, you need them because it gives you an extra push."
Grab a NOW TV Sky Sports Day Pass and watch Burnley v Chelsea for just £6.99. No contract.
