Costa is one of several new faces at Stamford Bridge this season after agreeing a £32 million transfer from Atletico Madrid earlier this summer. At 25-years-old, he is expected to have plenty of miles left on the clock.
However, people have wondered whether Costa is actually older than his claimed age as time appears to have taken its toll on the Brazilian-born striker. Hazard is just one of many more questioning Costa.
Speaking to Soccer AM, the Belgium winger said: “He looks old, I think he’s old. He is 25 but I don’t know if it is true.”
The comments will bring back memories of Chelsea’s last age-related controversy, which occurred only six months ago. Jose Mourinho was filmed questioning Samuel Eto’o’s age. The Special One hinted that Eto’o could not perform at the top level because he was older than his claimed age of 32.
Although Hazard may cause concern with his thoughts on Costa, he has certainly laid to rest claims of a strained relationship with Chelsea boss Mourinho. With Mourinho criticising Hazard last summer, and PSG interested in signing him, Blues fans were left fearful of a premature exit for the 23-year-old.
However, Hazard has confirmed that he holds nothing but respect for Mourinho and that his sense of humour has made a lasting impression on him.
“He is a very good man. He has won everything in his life and he wants to win again it’s a pleasure that he is my manager,” Hazard added.
“He is funny, he’s funny. On the camera he is sometimes serious but on the pitch and in training he can make jokes and he is a good guy.”
Written by Steve Milne
