15 years of Estádio da Luz: memories of David Luiz

"Estádio da Luz was where I always felt at home since I had the opportunity of meeting it" – this was how David Luiz, in exclusive statements to the Official Site, spoke about the stage where he stood out with Benfica’s jersey for four seasons (January 2007 to January 2011).

"And I am not just referring to the pitch; I am referring to the entire energy that involves it, of all the people that have the opportunity of working in the Stadium", added the centre-back who currently plays for Chelsea.

"I remember the first time I was at the Stadium, the people who gave me my first suit and tie, the cleaning and reception staff... Each one has his contribution so that Estádio da Luz (Stadium of Light) can be enlightened in other aspects apart from its name", said the Brazilian international.

"Everything I lived was – and is – special, it is in my heart until this day, whether in my first match or the two or three times I returned from injury and I received the affection and the love from the supporters", described David Luiz.

"I remember the moments of glory in the football, when we were National Champions, but also all the love that existed there, all the times I came on the pitch and I saw in the stands parents who took their children, children who took their parents, different generation, couples over 60/70 years of age who were there together, always in the same seat, supporting the team. The children, who have known the Stadium since they were little and live joys there that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives", testified the player.

"I owe a lot to this stage, to this home, to this place that is one of the most special of my life. Even because, sometimes when I was outside the stadium, I had the pleasure of seating down – I lived close to the stadium ... – and admiring the beauty of the Stadium from the outside. It is part of my life, it will be forever in my heart", he guaranteed.