
Douglas
Costa has openly admitted he wants to leave Shakhtar Donetsk for Chelsea
this summer.
The 24-year-old Brazil international has become restless playing in the
Ukrainian league and is ready to call time on his five-year association with
the club.
A move to London would see Costa reunited with former Shakhtar team-mate
Willian, who completed his switch to Chelsea - via Anzhi - in 2013.
“I’d be really interested in moving to Chelsea because I’d be able to
achieve everything I want having someone like Jose Mourinho by my side,” he
told
FourFourTwo.
“There comes a time when you become sick and tired of playing in the same
league. I’m 24 and I think that it’s worth trying to convince them to let me
go away.
“It’s time to try a new philosophy and I’m sure Mourinho's is the best
around. He’s always fighting for trophies.
“I’ve also got Willian in London – he’s a friend for life. I spent a few
days at Fernandinho’s house after Shakhtar played Manchester United in the
Champions League [in December 2013] and I really enjoyed it.
“[If I moved to England] I’d have the chance to play in the Premier League,
the best league in the world.
“You never know which team will win and that really impresses me – that’s a
factor that always keeps athletes motivated.”
If a move to Stamford Bridge were to materialise, the Blues would have to
pay considerably more than the £20m they reportedly bid for the Brazilian's
services earlier this year.
And, similarly to compatriot Willian, Costa is wary his hefty release clause
on his current contract could hamper his dream move to England, just as it
has with other deals in the past.
“Willian had all that trouble and his release clause was €35m,” Costa added.
“If you think that mine is even bigger, around €50m, you can imagine that it
won’t be any easier.
“I’ve also had talks with other sides like Milan and Monaco throughout this
time, but none of them have reached the price asked by Shakhtar.”