Arsenal’s David Luiz must end his career at Benfica according to club legend Nuno Gomes

Arsenal defender David Luiz has been urged to return to Benfica to end his career by club legend Nuno Gomes. 

The 33-year-old made a name for himself at Benfica, where he played for four seasons from 2007 before joining Chelsea in 2011 for £21.5million. He then moved across London to Arsenal in the summer of 2019 after re-joining the Blues from PSG. 

The centre-back played in Arsenal’s Europa League tie against his old club on Thursday night. 

David Luiz has been urged to return to Benfica to finish his career by club legend Nuno Gomes

David Luiz has been urged to return to Benfica to finish his career by club legend Nuno Gomes

David Luiz has been urged to return to Benfica to finish his career by club legend Nuno Gomes

Gomes, who played with Luiz at Benfica, said he would 'love it to happen' and thinks it could

Gomes, who played with Luiz at Benfica, said he would 'love it to happen' and thinks it could

Gomes, who played with Luiz at Benfica, said he would ‘love it to happen’ and thinks it could

Luiz was a firm favourite in the Portuguese capital, and has spoken previously of his desire to return to Benfica before hanging up his boots for good. Gomes, who played with Luiz during his time there, said he was all for it. 

‘Let’s see what happens,’ he told Goal.

‘I remember that when he left Benfica he was very well adapted to Portugal in terms of his career on the pitch and his social life off the pitch. He was like a Portuguese already in terms of his way of life and culture.

‘He struggled a little bit to leave because he was doing very well and was very well settled here. But the offer that he received he couldn’t refuse.

‘But he always said that one day he wanted to return. I don’t know if it will be possible or not, but I would love it to happen.’

Luiz (centre) joined Benfica in 2007 when he was 19, before going to Chelsea in 2011 for £21.5m

Luiz (centre) joined Benfica in 2007 when he was 19, before going to Chelsea in 2011 for £21.5m

Luiz (centre) joined Benfica in 2007 when he was 19, before going to Chelsea in 2011 for £21.5m

Luiz joined Benfica when he was just 19, making over 100 appearances for the club and winning one league title and three domestic cups. Gomes recalled the Brazilian’s timid nature when he first showed up.

‘When he arrived he was a very shy person, but then he developed a lot,’ Gomes said. ‘He worked a lot to achieve and to become the player that he is.

‘I believe that maybe one day he could return and end his career here in Benfica.’

A dream move might be difficult for Luiz to consider, however, given he would likely have to take an enormous pay cut to re-join Benfica.  

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