I've taken over from Suarez as Premier League villain - Costa

Diego Costa feels he has assumed the mantle of
Premier League bad guy from Luis Suarez.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa believes he is unfairly treated by
some in England, adding that he has taken over the role of
Premier League villain from Luis Suarez.

Fiery striker Costa has landed himself in hot water with the
authorities on a number of occasions during his time at
Stamford Bridge - most recently earning a three-match ban for
his clash with Laurent Koscielny in last month's London derby
with Arsenal.

Costa also tangled with Gabriel in Chelsea's 2-0 win
and attracted criticism from Arsene Wenger and sections of the
media.

However, the Spain international feels he is being unfairly
treated, echoing complaints made by former Liverpool man
Suarez before his move to Barcelona.

"I think Luis Suarez left this country because of how he was
treated and made out to be the bad guy," he told the London
Evening Standard.

"Do I feel like I have taken his place? That is crystal clear. It is
obvious that there are people after me. If you do something
wrong and it makes the papers, then okay, that's fair.

"But when people are after you all of the time, when you’re
always the headline that’s not fair. I hope they're not after me. I
hope it’s not the case. I hope it’s something that’s just in my
head."

Costa's behaviour against Arsenal was branded "unacceptable"
by Wenger prior to his ban, with the Brazil-born
frontman always ready to make his presence felt among
opposition defenders.

"The critics have to carry on what they do but they should
always be truthful," he continued.

"If I do something wrong, I am the first one to accept the
criticism, I have no problem with that. For example, my
behaviour in the game against Arsenal [where he earned his ban
for slapping [Koscielny] was not the best. "I know that, but it
was not just me.

"There was someone else involved [Gabriel]. Many, many times
I get kicked, I get elbowed - that’s part of football. It happens on
the pitch but I never complain. Football is a contact sport and
people have to understand they can’t change it into theatre.

"Football has always been a contact sport, these things have
always happened. But we are professionals and what happens
on the pitch stays on the pitch. So after the game it’s all good.

But if I keep getting banned for three games, it’s going to be
hard to maintain my level."