David Luiz has admitted that the summer arrivals at Chelsea made them a stonger side following his departure to French champions PSG.Â
The defender became the most expensive defender in football following his huge £50 million move to the French giants in June last year.
Luiz will face his former employees on Tuesday night as Chelsea travel to Paris in the Champions League round of 16.
Speaking to French radio ahead of the clash, which is a replay of last year’s dramatic quarter final, Luiz said:
Yes, Chelsea are better this season. Above all, they are better balanced following the arrival of Fabregas.
“With the arrival of Diego Costa — a warrior forward who always wants to score and challenge defenders…it’s logical Chelsea are stronger this season.”
The Brazilian became a fan favourite during his three-and-a-half years in West London thanks to his off-field antics and occasional moments of brilliance on the pitch.
He scored an own goal against PSG in the first leg of Chelsea’s eventual quarter-final triumph last season but hopes that his new side can make the most of any advantages this time around.
“We’ll have to play to our strengths: going forward, playing to win. I have faith in my team”, Luiz said.
“Chelsea are an experienced team that has already won the Champions League. They are used to this, and they knocked out PSG last year.”
Finally, Luiz put to bed any rumours that hitches in his relationship with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho were the reason he sought pastures new and moved to Paris in the summer:
I still have a good relationship with him. People have tried to find a problem between Jose and me, but that problem has never existed.
“Mourinho is someone who works in the same way with all his players, without making any difference between them,” the 27-year-old finished.
