DIEGO COSTA might hope he’s ageless but he certainly doesn’t rage less.
The controversial former Chelsea striker, 35, sparked a brawl, grabbed an opponent by the NECK and saw red – all in an UNDER-20s match.
Brazilian club Gremio only fielded the ex-Atletico Madrid ace in what should have been a low-key junior match to help him rediscover his “rhythm”.
But instead of finding harmonious high notes he found crash, bang, wallop.
“What did you expect?” asked one fan upon seeing the astonishing clip of Costa flaring up in retaliation.
“What could possibly go wrong?” wondered another, while a third posted: “This guy is nuts but I’m here for it.”
Costa’s career in LaLiga and the Premier League was blighted by bans, bust-ups and bruises.
Worst of all, he was suspended for eight games in 2019 after insulting a referee following his sending-off for Atletico against Barcelona.
That took him past FORTY matches out banned during his career.
Back in 2015 he picked up two three-game suspensions for Chelsea after high-profile dismissals for violent conduct against Liverpool and Arsenal.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
Th ex-Spain star retained his combative spirit since returning to his birth country Brazil with Botafogo in August 2023.
But it was still a shock to see his animated exchange for his latest club Gremio in an U-20s fixture against Juventude.
Costa took exception to a careless late challenge after he had passed the ball – and raced after the offender.
He grabbed the player by the neck and shoved him back as both sides came rushing in.
Both players were sent off.
One fan wrote: “Bro didn’t last 60 minutes. Proper Chelsea.”
Other disapproving verdicts included: “That’s so Costa”… “Never change”… and “He’s a clown”.
But many viewers seemed amused and impressed by his continuing hothead attitude.
Amongst such opinions were: “Cracking up”… “Absolutely here for it!!”… and Proper centre forward”.
Meet North London derby Wags
ARSENAL travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the North London derby on Sunday.
So with that in mind, SunSport has put together a piece looking at 10 of the players’ partners ahead of the game.
One Arsenal man is with a woman who had a romance and daughter with Hollywood star Jude Law.
Another Gunners player is married to a competitive twerker who goes by the stage name Redheaded.
And one Spurs star convinced his partner to move to England from Los Angeles when they got together – before they went on to have three children.