Shakhtar Dontesk striker Douglas Costa has confirmed that Chelsea were linked with his signature.
Blues manager Jose Mourinho was reportedly eyeing Costa as a cheaper alternative to Juan Cuadrado.
But a move fell through, and Cuadrado moved from Fiorentina for £26.8m.
Costa has revealed how being linked with Chelsea has motivated him to become a better player.
He told Goal: ‘Yes, I had a contact [with Chelsea] and the chance to work with a coach like Jose Mourinho always motivates a player,’ Costa told Goal.
‘I am very grateful for the kindness he showed with me.
‘He is a very smart coach and who won [titles] wherever he has gone.’
Douglas has won a handful of trophies with the Ukrainian side since joining in 2010 from Gremio, including a domestic treble in 2011-12.
Steve Osborne @Pack3rNa7ion
