Douglas Costa: I want to play for Jose Mourinho
The ESPN FC panel previews Chelsea’s Premier League showdown with Southampton
Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa says he is “really interested” in signing for Chelsea in order to work with Jose Mourinho.
Costa, 24, was a target for Chelsea during the January transfer window, though the Premier League leaders eventually signed Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina on deadline day.
Costa made no secret of his desire to move to Stamford Bridge during the winter, and the Brazil international is determined to secure a transfer this summer in order to link up with former Shakhtar teammate Willian and compete for trophies in Mourinho’s side.
“I’d be really interested in moving to Chelsea – not only because of everything Willian tells me about the club, but because I think that I’d be able to achieve everything I want having someone like Jose Mourinho by my side,” he told FourFourTwo.
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“Since I left Brazil, I have worked with a marvellous coach [Mircea Lucescu] and got an idea of how much influence such a good professional can have in your football. Now I think it’s time to try a new philosophy and I’m sure that Mourinho’s is the best around. He’s always fighting for trophies.
“Besides that, I’d have the chance to play in the Premier League, the best league in the world. What really impresses me is that you never know which team will win – that’s a factor that always keeps athletes motivated.”
Costa signed for Shakhtar from Gremio in 2010, and after winning the league title five years in a row – as well as three Ukrainian Cups and three Ukrainian Super Cups – the midfielder feels it is time for a change of scenery.
He continued: “I spent a few days at [former Shakhtar and current Manchester City midfielder] Fernandinho’s house after we played Manchester United in the Champions League [in December 2013] and I really enjoyed it.
“I’ve also got Willian in London – he’s a friend for life. But I didn’t go to all these cities to check which one I’d be more comfortable with – it was to get together with my pals.
“We are always together with the Brazilian national team and I think that now it’s my turn to move away. There comes a time when you become sick and tired of playing in the same league.
“I’m 24 and I think that it’s worth trying to convince them to let me go away… I wouldn’t think twice if a transfer proposal comes up.”
However, Costa admits that his Shakhtar release clause may prevent his dream move from happening, adding: “Willian had all that trouble and his release clause was €35 million. If you think that mine is even bigger, around €50 million, you can imagine that it won’t be any easier.
“I’ve also had talks with other sides like Milan and Monaco throughout this time, but none of them have reached the price asked by Shakhtar.”
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