Chelsea striker Diego Costa has vowed not to alter his aggressive style of play upon serving the three-match suspension imposed on him for violent conduct.
The Spanish international, who was retrospectively banned for a stamp on Liverpool midfielder Emre Can, insists that he is being singled out because the modern game is becoming less physical.
"Back in the old days there used to be way more contact and a lot of things that were permitted. These days everyone is looking at it and I don't think that is good for the game," he told The Telegraph.
"I have a go at defenders and they have a go at me. We argue. Whatever happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. After the game I shake hands with the defender. Job done, I go home, he goes home.
"We're all mates. It's all good. That's how I see football. That's how I play football. I'm not going to change it - football is a contact sport."
Costa missed Chelsea's 1-1 draw with title rivals Manchester City on Saturday through suspension.
Mark Langshaw
