Costa completed his move from Atletico Madrid on Tuesday to provide another attacking element to Jose Mourinho’s squad, having helped steer the Spaniards to their first La Liga title since 1996, as well as scoring a crucial penalty against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season on the way to the Champions League final.

That contest allowed Terry to experience what it’s like facing the Brazilian-born Spaniard in person, and he was left in no doubt about the striker.

‘First of all, his movement and his strength are really good – I was really surprised by it,’ said Terry, who is now in his 20th season with Chelsea. ‘I think everyone remembers the square-up we had in the first 10 minutes of the first leg of our semi-final game against Atletico Madrid last season, after which I thought, “Fair play”.

‘He holds the ball up very well, he has got great movement and he is really physical, but he is very clever with his strength and the way he uses his body. I think he could be a very good signing for us.’