Chelsea's David Luiz 'hungry for more titles'

14 May 2013 08:45

Chelsea's David Luiz has the appetite for success in Wednesday's Europa League final against his former club Benfica.

After winning the FA Cup and Champions League in his first full season at Stamford Bridge, the 26-year-old Brazil defender or midfielder is eager for further honours.

"When you win something and you finish you are hungry again," Luiz said. "So last year I ate beef, now I have chicken but I'm still really hungry and want to win more titles."

Chelsea began the season in contention for seven trophies. After becoming the first holders to exit the Champions League before Christmas, the Europa League is the unexpected eighth chance.

It is also the final opportunity following defeats in the semi-finals of both domestic cup competitions and a loss in December's Club World Cup final.

"Now is the time to win," Luiz said. "I lost three finals this season, so it is the time to win."

There is an added dimension to the Amsterdam encounter for Luiz. It was Benfica who brought him to Europe from Vitoria in 2007 and he moved from Lisbon to London in January 2011, with Nemanja Matic moving in the opposite direction.

"It will be a difficult game," Luiz said. "A special day for me, a special day for my team-mates.

"Both teams have quality that's why they are in the final. I'm a happy guy because I play for two big clubs. Two big clubs that have helped me a lot and teach me a lot about football and given me the opportunity to show my football to the world.

"I came to Europe and many players in Brazil want that opportunity so I'm happy with this. So the emotion is a good emotion, but when it is time to start the game I forget everything and I want to win, I play for Chelsea."

Source: PA