David Luiz has hailed Zlatan Ibrahimović and claims he “was one of the big reasons" why he joined Paris Saint-Germain.
The Brazil international – capped 47 times – was signed from Chelsea for a reported fee of €49.5 million in July 2014.
Luiz will get a chance to face his former employees when PSG host the Blues in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday and he believes Ibrahimović, who he suggests swayed him to move to Paris, can play a decisive role in the tie.
"There are two Zlatans: one the media portrays and then the real one," he said in the Daily Mail, as reported by London 24.
"He was one of the big reasons that I chose to join Paris. When Chelsea played Paris he said to me during the game,’ you need to come and play with us next season.’
"He is one of the best players in the world, and a great guy.
"Of course [Chelsea manager José] Mourinho knows Zlatan well from Inter and will have a plan to try and stop him, but when Zlatan is on form he is unstoppable."
"Mourinho and I have a mutual respect and I will shake his hand."
Luiz has scored two goals in 29 appearances so far for PSG this term. The 27 year-old, who played for Vitória and Benfica before moving to Chelsea in January 2011, will compete with Marquinhos and Thiago Silva for a starting berth on Tuesday.
