Chelsea defender David Luiz has played down his ‘joker’ tag, saying that he takes his football and his career very seriously.
Luiz, 25, who moved to Chelsea in January 2011 from Benfica, refutes claims that he does not take his game seriously, pointing to the tears shed at losing the FIFA Club World Cup final as an example.
“Yes, I am a happy person but I also have a responsibility. I know the club I represent and Chelsea want to win,” he told the London Evening Standard.
“At the FIFA Club World Cup it was my dream to lift the trophy and it didn’t happen. That was the first moment people saw me crying on the pitch but I have lost other games at Chelsea and cried then, too — it just may have been in the dressing room afterwards.
“I’m a joker, that’s my choice. It’s my style. But I care about my life, I care about the game, I care about the people who gave me this opportunity.
“Chelsea gave me the chance to play in the best League in the world, so I care about other things.
“I know what is important. When I go to the pitch I cannot laugh, I respect the other players. I try my best and put my passion inside the game.
“I like to have fun but there are moments you need to show yourself and that for me is on the pitch.”
And the Brazilian international has also come in for criticism for his tackling style after a poor challenge on Brentford’s Jake Reeves last week, something that he refuses to accept.
“I didn’t try to hurt the guy. I was just trying to be strong and didn’t mean to go so high. I arrived a little late but it wasn’t intentional. I could show you 30 challenges that have been worse over the season.
“I play with intensity but I never want to hurt another player. I gave my shirt to him and told him I was sorry. I wanted to know if he was okay. He gave me a hug and I wished him good luck for the future.”
Source: London Evening Standard
