Diego Costa Comments on Spain Criticism After Performance Against Belgium

Diego Costa has lashed out at the Spanish media as he believes his performances are judged more harshly because he does not play for Barcelona or Real Madrid and was not born in Spain. 

Per MailOnline's Adam Crafton, Costa "took aim" at the press in the mixed zone following Spain's 2-0 win over Belgium on Thursday: 

"

Yourselves, the journalists, you should assess my performance in this friendly but I felt I did well.

If I was at Real Madrid or Barca, you would be saying that I had a great game but as I am not a natural Spaniard, people always criticise me in a special way.

I won't change, even if I'm criticised. It's true that I'm wrong sometimes but I don't need anyone to tell me. I can do self-criticism. My team-mates trust me.

"

The 27-year-old was born in Brazil and played twice for his home country in friendlies against Italy and Russia, but he later switched nationalities to play for Spain after living and playing there for over six years.

Paul White/Associated Press

Costa made his debut for La Roja in March 2014 and has subsequently gone on to earn 11 caps including his outing against Belgium.

The striker, who has scored just once for Spain, put in a fairly strong showing against the Red Devils, providing David Silva with an assist for the first of his two efforts.

He did not make Vicente del Bosque's UEFA Euro 2016 squad, with the former manager opting for Alvaro Morata, Nolito, Pedro, Aritz Aduriz and Lucas Vazquez as his forward options.

Goal's Nizaar Kinsella welcomed Costa's return to the international stage:

The striker was more positive when discussing domestic matters, specifically new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte: "He is doing a great job. He has begun very strong and winning games in the Premier League gives me confidence."

Chelsea have claimed three wins from their first three Premier League games, scoring seven goals and conceding twice.

Costa's performances have provided a sharp contrast to his lacklustre form for the first half of last season, per WhoScored.com:

The Blues will look to continue their impressive run away at Swansea City on September 11.

Following the sale of central defender Ashley Williams to Everton, the Swans will be less well-equipped to deal with Costa's physicality and aggression.