David Luiz Reaches Agreement to Join Flamengo

David Luiz Reaches Agreement With Flamengo

Arsenal Had Wanted to Extend Defender’s Stay at the Emirates

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta held Luiz in high esteem throughout the defender’s time at the Emirates Stadium, and wanted Luiz to stay at the club beyond the 2020/21 season.

However, Luiz rejected the chance to stay in north London, and will now call time on his career in European club football in order to return to Brazil.

Once his move to Flamengo becomes official, Luiz will aim to help the club win the Brazilian top-flight title, a feat they accomplished in both 2019 and 2020. The transfer will make Luiz the second senior player to join a Brazilian club after leaving Arsenal, after Willian moved to Corinthians in the summer transfer window.

The circumstances surrounding the two players’ Arsenal exits are somewhat different. While Luiz turned down the opportunity to sign a new contract with the Gunners, Willian agreed to the termination of the final two years of his deal in order to be moved on.

Remembering Luiz’s Decorated Career in Europe

Though Luiz was never universally appreciated by fans of the clubs he represented across Europe, his detractors cannot argue with the fact the 34-year-old boasts a hugely impressive trophy haul.

Luiz has won top-flight titles in three countries in Europe, winning the Premier League with Chelsea as well as Ligue 1 on two occasions in his time at Paris Saint-Germain. Prior to those title wins, the former Benfica vice-captain won the Portuguese Primeira Liga in 2009/10.

In his time at Chelsea, Luiz also scooped his fair share of silverware on the continental stage. The defender won two Europa League titles and the Champions League at Stamford Bridge. At Arsenal, Luiz won the last of his three FA Cup winner’s medals in 2020.