Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa has revealed that he rejected the overtures of Premier League champions Chelsea FC because of his desire to work with former FC Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola
The Brazilian has been among the top attacking players in Europe this season, adding directness and incisiveness to a Bayern Munich attack that lacked in those aspects at times last season — particularly with Franck Rib ry and Arjen Robben out of action.
Despite previously commenting that a move to Chelsea FC would be a dream for him, Douglas Costa has now revealed that he chose to move to the Bundesliga champions because of his desire to work closely with one of the world’s best managers in Pep Guardiola.
Douglas Costa reveals Chelsea FC made ‘great efforts’ to sign him
The Brazil international started the season like a house on fire for Bayern Munich, assisting and scoring freely for the rampant Bavarians. Although that intensity has somewhat reduced, Douglas Costa continues to be a key player for Pep Guardiola.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk man recently revealed that Chelsea FC tried to sign him, but that he chose Bayern because of his desire to learn under Guardiola.
“Chelsea also wanted me,” Douglas Costa is quoted as saying by German newspaper Bild (via ESPN FC). “There was great interest and they made great efforts, but I wanted to join Pep Guardiola by all means. And Bayern.
“It was a conscious decision in favour of Pep and Bayern because I was convinced that I can learn more here.”
Bayern attack enhanced by Douglas Costa arrival
At times last season, the Bayern Munich attack looked stale and insipid — particularly in the UEFA Champions League where it come up short against eventual winners FC Barcelona. Douglas Costa has vitalised the team with his pace, strength, dribbling ability and directness, and Guardiola’s men have benefited from having another player capable of beating defenders one-on-one.
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The Brazilian has also been delivering devilish crosses into the box for the likes of Thomas MA?ller and Robert Lewandowski — both of whom have the intelligence and spatial awareness to take advantage of the quality deliveries.
As much as Douglas Costa might have benefited from working with Guardiola, the Spaniard has also undoubtedly profited from having Costa in his ranks.
