MX23RW : Saturday, January 11 22:21:49| >> :120:5863:5863:

Arsenal's David Luiz reveals desire to return to Benfica before retirement

Arsenal defender David Luiz admits his desire to return to former club Benfica before he retires, stating that he has always felt a connection to the Portuguese club.

Arsenal defender David Luiz has expressed his desire to return to former club Benfica before he retires.

The Brazilian moved to Lisbon back in 2007, completing a loan spell for the Portuguese club before joining them on a permanent deal.

The 33-year-old then went on to sign for Chelsea four years later, but admits that he would love to return to Lisbon before his footballing career comes to an end.

The centre-back told SporTV: "I was scared to leave Benfica, scared to start a new story. So Rui [Costa], the director of football, pulled me aside and talked to me. I was scared to bring my story at Benfica to a close, my love and the pleasure I had for living in that country and playing for Benfica.

"I told [Costa], 'I don't want to go, I want to stay, I want to stay.' Rui told me something that touched my heart: 'The doors will always be open for you. You need to show off your football to the whole world.'

"I never lost my connection with Benfica, I have that in my heart, everybody knows I want to come back."

Since joining the Gunners last summer, Luiz has made 25 league appearances for the North London outfit.

ID:397397: cacheID:397397:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2017:
Written by
Chelsea Harper
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Luka Jovic in action for Real Madrid on September 25, 2019
Read Next:
Rio Ferdinand questions Arsenal interest in Luka Jovic
>
Read more about David Luiz Rui Costa Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
9.30pm
Chargers
@
Texans
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!