Chelsea striker Diego Costa believes that Premier League referees should do more to protect him on the field.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a fine first season in English football, scoring 17 goals so far in the top flight to help the Blues on their way to the summit.

It has not all been plain sailing, however, as the Brazilian-born Spain international has come in for some criticism following a number of high-profile incidents, including his recent stamp on Liverpool's Jordan Henderson which led to a three-match ban.

Speaking to Sport magazine, Costa defended himself by saying: "My challenges are strong but noble at the same time. Check my records, you'll find I've never caused a bad injury to a player."

"Some of the kicks I suffer in England would be punished with a red card in Spain. I am getting used to getting kicked more than before. Premier League defenders are really strong and physical.

"In England, the referees don't call many fouls, as opposed to Spanish football. Consequently, you must be really strong all through the 90 minutes."

Costa joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid last summer for a fee of £32m.