Pepe Reina: 'Diego Costa will be respected by rival players'

Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina has insisted that Diego Costa will not be targeted by other players during the World Cup.

The spotlight has been on the Brazilian-born striker since he decided to play for Spain rather than appear for the country of his birth, but Reina believes that his teammate will be at the top of his game as Vicente del Bosque's side attempt to defend their title.

"We shouldn't think that players are going to go after him," Reina told reporters. "They are going to respect him because he's a spectacular player. He is prepared for everything he could face and we are all going to support him.

"Diego is going to give a lot to this team and I'm sure he's going to give absolutely everything because that's the way he plays, that's his identity and he's not going to change now."

Spain begin their campaign against the Netherlands on Friday.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill