Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has insisted that Diego Costa is constantly ‘looking for trouble’ and accused the Spaniard of trying to provoke the opposition.

The two players clashed in last weekends game, with Fernandinho elbowing Costa in the back of the head when challenging for the ball. Pundits of the game were decided on the Brazilian elbowing Costa with intent, but the midfielder, who scored the final goal in City’s 3-0 win, argued his case.

Fernandinho claimed that the elbow was unintentional, and that part of Costa’s style is try to aggravate.

“It was an accident and the nature of the game. It happens in football,” said the 30-year-old.

“He [Costa] is always trying to offend the opposition, but I keep calm and keep playing. I just didn’t want to fight or have any confrontation and just to play for my team.”

From what Fernandinho has said, it’s clear that he is trying to avoid any further action from his team or indeed the FA. But the incident did look very malicious, and Costa reacted very angrily which although isn’t rare, it does show he feels very strongly that the elbow was with intent.

Whether Fernandinho meant to harm Costa or not, what matters is that the Spanish striker looks to be fully fit and ready to fire home the goals that the Blues need to retain the title!