Diego Costa is forcing his way into the hearts of Spanish national team fans. He didn’t go to Euro 2016, but under new manager Julen Lopetegui he’s had a mini resurgence and found the back of the net.
The new era for Spain’s national team looks like it could be a fresh start for Costa. His decision to play for Spain wasn’t universally liked in the first place, because of the way he behaves on the pitch and the fact he’d block the path for Spanish born players, that was made worse with suggestions he pulled out of squads too easily.
Spanish newspaper Marca have a little snippet on Costa in their Friday edition, but it’s enough to show how opinion is changing. The Chelsea player is dubbed the ‘gladiator’ and rather than his aggressive style being criticised, it’s praised.
Interestingly, it’s pointed out this is very much the Spanish style of football. Marca don’t go any further to explain that, but they have a good point.
Spain’s nickname for the national had long been La Furia (the fury), and it was coined because the country’s early national teams were full of aggression and, well, fury. It was a source of pride, of identity, and obviously completely different from the most recent successful Spanish sides.
AS says of Costa’s aggression and passion… ‘It is Spanish’. And, from the earlier history of the national team, it very much is.
