Diego Costa says he was always “amazed” by Didier Drogba and claims he was learning from the striker even before he joined Chelsea.
Diego Costa has revealed how former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has had a huge impact on his career, and how he would watch the former Blue specifically to learn from the Ivorian.
“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.
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.”
“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 also spoke about the support he receives from Chelsea fans, despite having had a very difficult second season with Chelsea under Jose Mourinho.
“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.”
