Diego Costa may have forged a reputation as a fearsome striker but away from the pitch his never-say-die attitude is helping improve the lives of youngsters in his hometown.
Defenders, understandably, do not seem to enjoy facing the 26-year-old and his combative style, while Chelsea fans and his team-mates love his determination and huge heart, the way he gives everything for the cause.
That cause away from football is Lagarto, a city close to Brazil’s Atlantic coastline, and its youngsters. Diego Costa left at 14, but he maintains strong links with the town and has set up a school to help local kids. Not just in football, but with education too.
‘I started with this project with the help of my agent, and the main goal is to open some doors for the kids that I didn’t have open for myself,’ he says.
‘I wanted to help the kids stay away from the streets, stay away from drugs, and the academy can only bring new things to these kids. There is more to win than to lose.
‘The school is not a big thing yet. I originally thought I had to give something back to my city, that’s why I created this. Lagarto is a small town so it will grow little by little.
‘We’ve got great professionals working in there. The kids have food, good medication, a good quality of life, there is nothing missing. The coaches are always happy and open to help with anything. Some of the kids may not become professionals in the future but they will be better people.
‘The main target is education rather than football. I want children to attend the school and not miss any days. I don’t have any lucrative aim, and I am happy to have this school.’
He may strike fear into opposing defenders, but to the kids in this corner of Brazil, Diego Costa is a symbol of what can happen when you give your all.
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