Chelsea defender David Luiz is excited about the prospect of playing with Diego Costa this season, despite their on-field history.
Luiz, who returned to Stamford Bridge this summer after leaving in 2014 for Paris Saint-Germain, got into heated exchanges with the Blues centre-forward when both faced off in the Champions League.
However the 29-year-old played down any animosity, relishing lining up alongside him under Antonio Conte this term.
“Yes! He was an amazing player when I was playing against him,” Luiz told the club’s official website. “He is a guy who gives everything for your team and now I am on his side, for sure I have a great striker for my team and with the spirit of love for football, with passion, so I am happy for that.”
Since arriving from Atlético Madrid, during the same transfer window Luiz departed, the combative centre-forward has made 81 appearances, scoring 38 goals whilst creating 17 more for his teammates.
He’s Chelsea’s joint-top goalscorer this season with Eden Hazard, and will lead the line away at Swansea City on Sunday; a game Luiz is hoping to make his second debut in.
Across his first spell with the club, joining from Benfica in 2011, the Brazilian international featured in 142 first-team matches, scoring 12 goals and notching 10 assists. His last game came at home to Norwich City, which ended goalless, as he played as a defensive midfielder.
That versatility is sure to give his new boss Conte food for thought, but given the Blues’ central defensive concerns, he’s likely to play there under the Italian coach.
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