Bayern president Hoeness slams Juve's 'mercenary' Costa
Douglas Costa spent just two of his five contracted years at Bayern Munich, whose president Uli Hoeness labelled the winger "a mercenary".
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has taken a swipe at the departed Douglas Costa, questioning the character of the Brazilian and describing him as "a mercenary".
Costa arrived at the Allianz Arena from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2015 for €30million, signing a five-year contract.
But just two years into that deal, with his first-team opportunities reduced under Carlo Ancelotti, the winger was sent on loan to Juventus, who have the option to make the switch permanent at the end of this season for €40m.
And Hoeness was not sorry to see Costa go, claiming the 26-year-old was not popular among the club's hierarchy.
"Costa didn't work out because he was quite a mercenary whose character we didn't like", Hoeness told Frankenpost.
It feels like when wake up on your birthday, but can't open your presents until after school. Don't miss today's at 18:00 CEST! August 24, 2017
Hoeness also scoffed at the big-spending habits of the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, for whom European success continues to prove elusive.
"I always have to laugh when I hear about that. Except Real Madrid, no club has won the Champions League more than once in recent years," he added.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"And the clubs which spend so much money right now, like Paris or Manchester City, haven't won anything yet.
"So I don't worry about if the big money wins trophies at the end."