Douglas Costa has revealed that Chelsea were keen on signing Shakhtar Donetsk forward in the winter transfer window.
The Brazilian international was a target for the west London club as the player was also keen on making a switch to Stamford Bridge last month. However, the deal did not take shape and the 24-year-old continued with his current employers.
Costa claims the Premier League leaders made contact with him in order to lure him to swap Shakhtar for Chelsea.
“Yes, I had a contact [with Chelsea] and the chance to work with a coach like Jose Mourinho always motivates a player. I am very grateful for the kindness he showed with me. He is a very smart coach and who won [titles] wherever he has gone,” Costa said, as quoted by Goal.
A move to the Premier League could be on the cards later in the summer as he admitted that a switch to England will boost his chance of making it to the national squad.
“It is clear that the Premier League has a high profile but it is well proven that Dunga observes all competitions,” he remarked. “If you are good at your club, you may have a chance in the Selecao.”
It is not the first time the South American has expressed his admiration for the Blues. Earlier in January, Costa admitted that he dreams of playing under the former Real Madrid manager at Chelsea.
“I put my situation to them and they said they would try to help me. Now, we’ll see if it comes to an agreement. To play at Chelsea is a dream for any player… but really, what catches my eye is the coach,” the forward told last month.
“He is very intelligent and has been a successful coach wherever he’s been. This is one of the things that would make me happy to play at Chelsea.”
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