Chelsea striker Diego Costa has insisted that he will not change his ways simply because people outside of the club do not like how he conducts himself on the pitch.

The Spain international has caused controversy a number of times, the latest of which resulted in a retrospective three-match ban for violent conduct.

The striker escaped action at the time, but was later punished for appearing to kick out at Gabriel Paulista during Chelsea's 2-0 win over Arsenal last month.

"I have 100% support from my manager (Jose Mourinho), from the club and from the Chelsea fans," The Mirror quotes Costa as saying. "So other people, other opinions, I don't care, I'm not really bothered. I will not change unless my manager or the people from my club or my supporters tell me so.

"No, I don't need to change because I have done nothing wrong. During my football career, many, many times other players have done stuff to me, like kick me but I am not a cry baby."

Chelsea have had a poor start to their title defence by winning just three of their nine Premier League games this season.