Chelsea recruit Luiz relieved to have Torres on his side
CHELSEA’S latest Brazilian recruit David Luiz admits he is glad he’ll be lining up alongside rather than facing Fernando Torres in the Premier League.
Luiz played against Torres in last season’s Europa League quarter-final when the World Cup winner scored twice in a 4-1 victory for Liverpool at Anfield, and is therefore well aware of his prowess in front of goal.
“He is difficult of course because he is a big player,” defender Luiz said of Chelsea’ s record signing.
“So now I am so happy that I can play in the same team as him and not against him.”
The arrival of the former Benfica centre-half was largely overshadowed by the deadline day arrival of Torres for a British record transfer fee of £50m.
But having signed him for £25m on a five-and-a-half year contract, it is clear that Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti sees the 23-year-old as an integral part of his long-term plans and Luiz is eager to make his debut, along with Torres, against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
“I hope I can play quickly, and I feel 100 per cent to play if I need to,” he said. “I want to help the team in whichever way Mr Ancelotti wants me to do, wherever in the team. If I am on the field, I am happy.”
While Luiz may have to wait for his debut, Ancelotti has intimated that Torres will start on Sunday up against one of the men charged with replacing his goals at Anfield, £22.7m recruit Luis Suarez.
The Uruguay international made an instant impression on his debut, scoring 16 minutes after coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Stoke, and the former Ajax star is looking to build on his perfect start.
He said: “I hope I can score as many goals as I did in Holland. But the first target for me is to help the team, whether it’s scoring goals or just helping out in general play.”
HEAD-TO-HEAD | SUAREZ V TORRES
Luis Suarez:
Age: 24
Nickname: The Cannibal of Ajax
Transfer fee: £22.7m
Games for Ajax: 110
Goals for Ajax: 81
International caps: 38
International goals: 16
Fernando Torres
Age: 26
Nickname: El Nino
Transfer fee: £50m
Games for Liverpool: 102
Goals for Liverpool: 65
International caps: 82
International goals: 26