Costa hints at Hazard, Courtois exit
LONDON: Diego Costa is enjoying life at Chelsea but fears that Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois could be set for summer moves to Real Madrid.
The Spanish international came close to departing Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window, but insists he is ‘feeling very good’ this year.
The striker's sparkling return to form this season has helped Chelsea surge to a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League, as well as the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
And the 28-year-old admits he is feeling as good now as he did during his time at Atletico Madrid.
Speaking to Spanish radio station Cope, the 28-year-old said: “At Atleti I lived a great moment, and this year I’m feeling very good… There was a lot of talk about going to China, but you see, here I am.”
Despite re-assuring Blues fans over his short-term future, Costa threw doubt over those of teammates Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard.
Costa fears the pair could be tempted by big-money moves to La Liga giants Real Madrid.
He said: “We know Courtois loves Spain, his family lives there, he’s a great goalkeeper and (Real) Madrid needs people like that.”
And he fears that Barcelona as well as Real will have their eyes on Hazard, who has 11 goals in 30 appearances this season.
He added: “It will be bad news for Chelsea if Real Madrid sign Hazard and Courtois.”
“Eden is the best, he’s top. Barcelona and Real Madrid will have their eye (on him) and if a team like these knock on the door you have to think about it. It is normal that they love him but hopefully he will not leave.”