By Declan Taylor For The Mail On Sunday
Published: 22:48 BST, 11 May 2019 | Updated: 23:55 BST, 11 May 2019
View
comments
David Luiz has revealed how the memory of a bittersweet victory over his former club Benfica in the 2013 Europa League final will drive him on against Arsenal in Baku later this month.
Luiz played all 120 minutes of Chelsea's semi-final second leg with Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night before stepping up to successfully despatch his penalty in the shootout, which the hosts won 4-3 to book their place in the final.
The Brazilian is expected to start against London rivals Arsenal in the final on May 29 at Baku's Olympic Stadium and he is determined to pocket a second Europa League winners' medal after a night of mixed emotions when he clinched his first six years back.
Brazilian defender David Luiz holds the Europa League trophy after 2013's final in Amsterdam
'It was difficult for me because I won it against Benfica that time,' said Luiz. 'I remember exactly the feeling for all my friends from Benfica, because I love them and I have great friendship there.'
Luiz played every minute that night as Chelsea saw off Benfica thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Branislav Ivanovic which secured a 2-1 win at the Amsterdam Arena.
He added: 'Of course I was happy because I won. To win a European title is always great for everybody
