Luiz: Happy I took a risk, pay cut to join Chelsea
Chelsea centre-back David Luiz has admitted that he took a pay cut to return to Stamford Bridge, and a maiden Premier League title has made the decision to do so that much sweeter.
"I don't always like the easy life," Luiz told BBC Sport ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final clash with rival Arsenal. "That's why I took a risk and I'm very happy. It was the right decision."
The right call indeed, as Luiz, 30, joined the Blues for a reported £34-million fee in the summer after a pair of domestic trebles at Paris Saint-Germain, only to win the Premier League under Antonio Conte.
"I love the risk. In your life if you don't take a risk you're not going to taste something new. Not just in your professional life, I think it's every day," Luiz added.
It makes sense, as Luiz had it easy in the French capital. Surrounded by fellow Brazilian centre-backs Marquinhos and Thiago Silva, Luiz was part of a PSG side that dominated league play. Still, Luiz fancied more, and even with a pay cut, the dead-ball specialist returned to Chelsea years after being sold to the French capital for an astounding £50 million.
"I cut my salary to come back here. But it's OK. God has given me a lot so I'm very happy with this."
With the 2016-17 league title the fourth major trophy Luiz has won at Chelsea, the 30-year-old international is looking forward to winning a second FA Cup. After missing the 2011-12 final against Liverpool through a hamstring injury, the former Benfica standout hopes lightning doesn't strike twice.
"I don't want to miss this one. I want to play, I want to try to give my best for the team."
As likable as Conte, Luiz caps of a stellar campaign at Chelsea by praising the gaffer that took England's top flight by storm, saying, "Conte is a great person, a great character and he's passionate - he loves football."
"The day I arrived here we talked together and he tried to explain his philosophy to play football.
"He said to me: 'You are the player I want in my team and to improve my team.' And then I said to him: 'I'm going to work hard for you and for the team.' And that's it."