Zouma reveals that Diego Costa wasn’t angry with him after he called the striker a “cheat”

Kurt Zouma says that Diego Costa is NOT a cheat - and should not change his ways for Chelsea .

The controversial striker is currently serving a three-match ban for his actions against Arsenal defender Gabriel, which were not seen by the match referee Mike Dean.

Zouma poured further fuel on the fire by insisting that Costa was a cheat , this week and his antics did not surprise his team-mates.

Speaking to BeIN Sports , Zouma said: "No, we're not surprised because we know Diego. Everyone knows Diego and this guy likes to cheat a lot and put the opponent out of his game."

Zouma has admitted his "mistake" in what he wrote - and says that Costa understands exactly what he was meant to say.

Speaking to the London Evening Standard, he said: “I never thought Diego is a cheat. He is a friend. I like this guy. On the pitch he gives everything for the club and the team. I hope he will continue like this. He should not change.

“He is clever because he likes to put a guy off his game, so he loses control. Diego knows what he has to do."

Breakthrough centre-back Zouma, who has replaced John Terry in the team on occasions this season, believes that Costa is a great addition to the Chelsea training ground.

He says that the public perception of Costa is a long way off his actual persona.

Zouma added: “In training he jokes a lot. He is so friendly. Diego is the craziest guy in the club. He is too funny. Everybody is very happy to have Diego in the team.”