Football
ESPN staff 10y

David Luiz: Chelsea will miss me

Paris Saint-Germain defender David Luiz believes Chelsea will miss him this season -- and departed midfielder Frank Lampard.

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Manager Jose Mourinho sold the Brazil centre-back to the French champions for 50 million pounds earlier this summer -- the highest fee ever paid for a defender -- while Lampard left for New York City last month before completing his loan move the Premier League champions Manchester City.

Mourinho claimed his side would be stronger without Luiz and the players would only miss his off-pitch personality, rather than his ability. Luiz responded by saying it will be nice to play for a club that believes in him.

"I have to believe that Chelsea or any team will miss me," Luiz told The Sun. "I'm not arrogant but I'm confident in my own abilities.

"Paris paid a lot for me so they obviously believe in me. It is nice to be at a club where they really want you and where they show belief in you.

"I can only speak about my experience of playing with Frank and I still think he has lots to offer at the highest level.

"Not just because he is a great player but also because of his experience in big games. I have as much chance of winning major trophies here as at Chelsea or any other club in Europe."

Lampard will stay at the Etihad until January before he begins preparations with New York City ahead of the 2015 MLS season with the new franchise, part-owned by Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour.

The 36-year-old scored 211 goals in 649 games for Chelsea but, unlike central defender John Terry, was not offered a new one-year deal at the end of last season.

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