Arsenal's David Luiz reveals desire to return to Benfica before retirement

Arsenal defender David Luiz has expressed his desire to return to former club Benfica before he retires.

The Brazilian moved to Lisbon back in 2007, completing a loan spell for the Portuguese club before joining them on a permanent deal.

The 33-year-old then went on to sign for Chelsea four years later, but admits that he would love to return to Lisbon before his footballing career comes to an end.

The centre-back told SporTV: "I was scared to leave Benfica, scared to start a new story. So Rui [Costa], the director of football, pulled me aside and talked to me. I was scared to bring my story at Benfica to a close, my love and the pleasure I had for living in that country and playing for Benfica.

"I told [Costa], 'I don't want to go, I want to stay, I want to stay.' Rui told me something that touched my heart: 'The doors will always be open for you. You need to show off your football to the whole world.'

"I never lost my connection with Benfica, I have that in my heart, everybody knows I want to come back."

Since joining the Gunners last summer, Luiz has made 25 league appearances for the North London outfit.