Diego Costa says he is "no angel" but the Chelsea striker will not compromise his combative approach.

The 27-year-old Brazil-born Spain striker returned from a three-match retrospective suspension for violent conduct against Arsenal in last week’s defeat of Aston Villa.

He has attracted criticism in some quarters for his on-field approach, but Blues boss Jose Mourinho has lauded his influence.

“On the pitch don’t try and put wings on me, as I am no angel,” Costa told BBC Football Focus.

“I think that football has always had a passionate, aggressive side, with players giving their all. People have to get used to this.

“Some people seem to think football is like theatre, and that everyone has to play the good guy.

“But I think that you transform when you cross the white line, you’re not the same person as off it.

“I give no quarter and I ask for none. Out there I’m going to fight for my team and do the best I can.

“I’m not going to change that because of what people may think of it.

“Afterwards, when the match is over, I have my family and my friends. I have fun like a normal person.”