Diego Costa believes he can form a lethal Chelsea strike force alongside new arrival Radamel Falcao.
The Brazilian born Spain international had an impressive first season at Stamford Bridge with 20 goals and finished with a Premier League champions medal.
He did so despite a niggling hamstring injury that needed to be monitored and nursed – and now he has been joined by Colombian star Falcao.
Manager Jose Mourinho usually favours one front man but Costa is certain he and Falcao can work in tandem.
“I have played quite a few games alongside Falcao and it worked very well for us, without a doubt,” said Costa. Let’s hope Falcao can find the form he needs to. I think he looks very happy here and in good spirits.
“Let’s hope that not only myself and Falcao can achieve great things this year but also Eden Hazard, Ramires, Loic Remy – everyone ! We have a great group of players and we have to be working together.”
Costa also reassured the fans that his injury woes are now behind him. He was taken off in a recent friendly against Barcelona but insisted:” It was just a precautionary measure to see what it was. I felt something a bit different but I really do feel fine now.”
And he also found time to pay tribute to Petr Cech, the goalkeeper who left Chelsea to join Arsenal for £10 million in the summer and who wll be an adversary in this afternoon’s Community Shield clash at Wembley.
He is convinced Arsenal are stronger with Cech as the last line of defence.
“ Of course they are, “ he said. “ Petr is a legendary player who has made a huge impact in world football as a result of everything he has won and achieved in the game. We think a lot of him, I certainly do both as a player and a person.”
He added that Chelsea have the necessary firepower to thrive this season – and not just with him and Falcao.
“The team always has alternatives up front, “ he said. “ People should not forget that Loic always scored whenever he played. So with Radamel, Loic, me, Eden Hazard, Willian, Oscar , Juab Cuadrado and Victor Moses, we have plenty of choice.
“We can definitely create danger for the opposition if we are all firing and in form.
“Our fans should have plenty to be excited about."
MORE:All you need to know about the Community Shield