Roman Abramovich wants David Luiz to captain Chelsea instead of Gary Cahill, and Conte’s decision to leave the Brazilian out of his squad that beat Manchester United earlier in the month will have angered the owner.

That’s the view of Transfer Window podcast guest Ian McGarry, who says that Luiz is favoured by the Chelsea owner – a huge reason why he was brought back to the club.

McGarry says that David Luiz is seen as a replacement for John Terry in the eyes of Abramovich, and the decision by manager Antonio Conte to drop the defender during the 1-0 win over Manchester United was the Italian ‘sticking up two fingers’ to his boss.

“David Luiz was returned to Chelsea because he’s one of Roman Abramovich’s favourite players,” he said on the podcast.

“He was not neccassarily the choice of anyone at the club on the coaching staff.

“He’s loved by the owner of the club who saw him as the long-term successor to John Terry as captain of the club, and the fact Gary Cahill remains as captain instead of Luiz is still the matter of debate in Roman Abramovich’ box every second weekend when they play at home.

“That was two fingers to Roman Abramovich by dropping him from the squad completely.”
[Quotes via Daily Star]