A female reporter has claimed former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa “deliberately coughed right in my face” during an interview in the Covid-19 era.
The allegation was made by Spanish journalist Mapi Sainz, who said the incident happened while she was working in Germany. She said she had gone to interview Costa when he was playing there, with Covid rules still in place.
“He deliberately coughed right in my face,” Sainz said, recalling the moment. She added that she wore a mask and was left shocked by what had happened.
Sainz also claimed Costa did it again, describing it as a clear act rather than an accident. She said the experience stayed with her and was one of the worst moments she has faced while doing her job.
Costa, who is known for his aggressive style on the pitch, has played for clubs including Chelsea and Atletico Madrid and won major honours during his career. No official response from Costa was included alongside the reporter’s claims.
