Friday 13 March 2015 16:13, UK
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.
“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."
“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.”
