David Luiz discusses the risk he took to rejoin Chelsea last year

David Luiz discusses the risk he took to rejoin Chelsea last year

David Luiz has been a huge part of Chelsea’s success this season, having impressed vastly in the Blues’ three-man defence adopted since September which saw Antonio Conte’s side storm to Premier League glory.

The Brazilian defender returned for his second stint in West London last summer, joining from French champions Paris Saint-Germain, and took a pay-cut to return to the Premier League- where he wasn’t remembered too fondly.

A favourite amongst the Chelsea fans, David Luiz was considered by many to be far too attacking for a defender and his charging runs forward picked up a wealth of criticism- which led many to question whether the South American would be the right fit for Conte’s side.

However, Luiz has shown since his return that his time in France with PSG saw him mature significantly and he’s now a key-part of the Blues’ side, although he revealed ahead of the FA Cup final that he took a big risk returning to England.

Speaking to The BBC ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Arsenal at Wembley, the 30-year-old said:

“I don’t always like the easy life. That’s why I took a risk and I’m very happy. It was the right decision.”

“I love the risk. In your life if you don’t take a risk you’re not going to taste something new. Not just in your professional life, I think it’s every day. I cut my salary to come back here. But it’s OK. God has given me a lot so I’m very happy with this.”

The improvements from Luiz can certainly be attributed to the faith put into the experienced defender by Italian boss Conte, as the Brazilian centre-back spoke about the impact Chelsea’s latest boss had upon him.

“Conte is a great person, a great character and he’s passionate – he loves football. The day I arrived here we talked together and he tried to explain his philosophy to play football.”

“He said to me: ‘You are the player I want in my team and to improve my team.’ And then I said to him: ‘I’m going to work hard for you and for the team.’ And that’s it.”

Luiz’ comments show the importance that Conte has had rejuvenating a Chelsea squad that finished mid-table last season, with the Italian putting faith in players that would have raised eyebrows when it was initially revealed they were part of his plans- with names like Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso coming to mind.

The confidence boost Conte gives his squad is set to be crucial for a testing year ahead, as Chelsea return to Champions League football, but you can expect his side to continue succeeding as they’ve shown no issues thus far.