Chelsea have confirmed that their former defender David Luiz has re-joined the club on a three year contract, moving from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal believed to be worth around £34 million.
The Brazilian first moved to Stamford Bridge in January of 2011 from Benfica for £21 million. He made 143 appearances for the Blues during his first spell, netting twelve goals. He won the FA Cup with the West London club in his first season, the UEFA Champions League in his second year and the UEFA Europa League in his third.
In June of 2014 José Mourinho decided that Luiz was surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and he was sold to the French side PSG for a world-record fee for a defender of £50 million. He signed a five-year contract with the Ligue 1 side that would have seen him remain in Paris until 2019 had Chelsea not returned for his signature on deadline day.
Luiz has picked up 56 caps for Brazil so far in his career, including the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup in 2014 which the home nation lost 7-1 to Germany. Chelsea had been trying to re-sign him for some time but PSG had been rejecting their approaches before the player himself discovered that is former club were in for him. He then spoke to the French club’s President, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, as well as their sporting director and fellow Brazilian Leonardo in order to inform them that he wanted to return to West London.
The 29-year-old’s move was completed with just five minutes left before the window shut last night. Speaking to the official Chelsea television channel he said, I’m very happy to be here again. It’s fantastic to have this second opportunity to play for this club. I love this club so that’s why I am here. Let’s try to continue the nice history with a lot of joy and try to get success”.
The defender also spoke about his desire to prove himself to the Chelsea fans who were disappointed to see him leave back in 2014. He said, “It will be an amazing opportunity to show to the fans again how I love this club and how I love to play for this club. I cannot wait to wear the shirt and play at Stamford Bridge again”.
The only major trophy that Luiz did not pick up during his initial spell at Chelsea was a Premier League title, but he is determined to forget what’s gone before and look to win more silverware under the club’s new boss Antonio Conte. He said, “This is the past. We need to win again. I have the hunger to win. Of course I want to win the Premier League and of course I want to win all the titles again. I am here because I have ambition to play for a big club, and when you play for a big club you need to think about winning every single match”.
The Brazilian confirmed that he couldn’t be happier to be playing for the West London club again. He said, “I’m delighted to return to Chelsea. We had a fantastic story during my first time at the club and I want to help the team and Antonio Conte achieve a lot of success”. He finished his interview with a message to the club’s supporters that it’s time for them to enjoy their football again. Luiz: “I’m back, I cannot wait to see you guys and to give back what you guys gave to me in the first period I was here. Let’s enjoy!”