Diego Costa didn't have the impact he would have hoped for on his return to Stamford Bridge with Wolves. The former Chelsea striker was taken off just before the hour mark, with his new side two goals down in west London.
It was Costa's first start for Wolves after joining the club last month. With injuries to Raul Jimenez and Sasa Kalajdzic, Costa is set to start many more games for a Wolves side who have scored just three times this season.
Despite not having the impact he was dreaming of on the pitch, Costa received a heroic reception from the Stamford Bridge faithful as he made his way off the pitch. The 34-year-old got a standing ovation and shook the hands of some Blues fans as he walked back to the dugout after being substituted.
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Wolves sit in the relegation zone with just one win from their opening nine games, and Costa conceded that Chelsea are in a 'different league' to his new club. The striker also praised the home fans - labelling them as the most supportive of his career.
"We knew that Chelsea, with the players they have, were the favourites to win," Costa told Wolves' club website.
"They're in a different league to us, but our next game is a must-win. We need to try and get a good run going.
"It was a very special day, coming back to Stamford Bridge and playing against them.
"But the fans here have always been incredible to me for all the years that I was here. I want to thank them so much for the affection they have shown me – it makes me very happy.
"I have been at a lot of clubs with great fanbases, but I think that the fans here [at Chelsea] have given me the most support. There's something different about them.
"I was so happy here. It's only when you leave somewhere when you realise just how happy you were. It's such a huge, impressive club. I have so many good memories."
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