Luiz: Chelsea’s Costa still respects his Brazilian roots

They may not fight for the same country on the pitch, but David Luiz insists the fact that his Chelsea team-mate Diego Costa never forgets his Brazilian roots makes him a better footballer.

The 28-year-old striker was born in Brazil and despite playing alongside Luiz in two friendlies for the Canarinhos, Costa now represents Spain having been granted nationality in 2013.

Costa currently sits at the top of the Premier League scoring charts having found the net seven times already this season.

And despite striking up a fierce relationship with Costa during his stint with Paris Saint-Germain, when Chelsea faced the French side two years running in the Champions League, Luiz admits now they are singing from the same hymnsheet he can see Costa respects his humble beginnings.

“I like Diego because he never forgets where he came from,” he said. “That’s why he fights until the end for his team. He never gives up.

“Diego now plays for one of the best clubs in the world, Diego now plays in some of the best stadiums in the world, Diego is now one of the best strikers in the world.

“But he never forgets when he was playing in the second and third division, with small teams in difficult leagues and difficult stadiums, suffering many injuries and fighting for his career. He never forgets where he came from in Brazil.

“I like these kinds of people, because they really want to give everything. I love the way he plays, and I am happy now because he plays in my team and it’s difficult to play against him!

“It’s better to have him on my side. He never makes life easy for the defenders.”