Diego Costa may be one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League ‒ but it appears there's a softer side to the Chelsea striker too.

The Brazilian-born Spain international has earned a reputation as somewhat of an old fashioned combative striker, causing defenders problems with his physicality.

But it seems there's another side to Costa, with the 28-year-old recently taking time out of his match preparations to enjoy some down-time with his pet dog Bella.

Diego Costa showed his softer side as he played with pet dog Bella at home swimming pool

He recently took time out of his match preparations to enjoy some time with his pet dog Bella

Costa, the former Atletico Madrid star, showed his softer side as he played with his pet dog at his home swimming pool.

The in-form forward took to his Instagram account to upload a picture and a video ahead of the west London club's EFL Cup clash with West Ham.

The picture showed the Chelsea star in high spirits as he posed while holding his white pooch - and another snap from a different angle displayed his drenched dog appearing just as happy.

Costa is a keen dog lover, having owned a Yorkshire Terrier before he accidentally reversed over his pet and killed it.

Last year, his former Atletico team-mate Paulo Assuncao revealed in a biography about the forward, Diego Costa: The Art of War, that he was 'totally depressed for a month' following the incident in Spain.

“Diego brought his Yorkshire Terrier to Madrid but one day when he was parking and didn’t realise the dog was behind the car, he reversed over it," Assuncao said.

But it seems Costa has moved on from the heartbreaking death and the Blues star is intent on taking better care of his new pet pooch.

Costa is pictured competing for the ball with Manchester United defender Daley Blind

The Spain international wheels away to celebrate Eden Hazard's goal in the 4-0 win on Sunday

Costa has every reason to smile, having netted seven goals in all competitions for Antonio Conte's side this season.

The striker seems to have found his form once again after struggling during his second season at Stamford Bridge last term.

But under Conte's guidance this campaign, Costa has found his shooting boots again and has also returned to the international set-up.

He'll be hoping to continue his goalscoring form should he play a part in Chelsea's crunch League Cup clash with London rivals West Ham on Wednesday.